Akpabio Calls for Dismissal of Officials Ignoring National Assembly’s Summons, Urges Action from Tinubu

• Senate President Godswill Akpabio stressed the necessity of terminating the employment of agency heads who fail to adhere to National Assembly committee invitations
• He emphasized the importance of cooperation and accountability among leaders and government agencies to advance President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has delivered a compelling message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing the necessity of terminating the employment of any head of a government agency who fails to adhere to the National Assembly’s committee invitations.

This declaration transpired during a meaningful public hearing on the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) at the Senate, conducted on Thursday.

Within the MTEF/FSP, the federal government has established various critical parameters: a crude oil price fixed at $73.96, an exchange rate at N700/$, oil production amounting to 1.78 million barrels daily, a debt service commitment of N8.25 trillion, inflation set at 21 per cent, and a GDP growth projection of 3.76 per cent.

The comprehensive expenditure projection for the 2024 budget is estimated at N26.01 trillion. This encompassing figure encompasses statutory transfers amounting to N1.3 trillion, non-debt recurrent expenditure totalling N10.26 trillion, a debt service estimate of N8.25 trillion, and N7.78 trillion allocated for personnel and pension costs.

The Senate Joint Committees orchestrated the public hearing, specifically the Committees on Finance, Appropriations, National Planning and Economic Affairs, and Local and Foreign Debt. Its primary objective was to meticulously scrutinize the fiscal document, involving discussions with the top executives of government-owned agencies, to expand the nation’s revenue base.

This approved MTEF/FSP is poised to establish the fundamental parameters for next year’s budget.

Akpabio underscored the pivotal significance of this interactive session on the MTEF/FSP, labeling it a highly critical event. He emphasized that any presidential appointee genuinely desiring the success of President Tinubu’s administration must demonstrate their presence.

In light of the session’s importance, Akpabio made a noteworthy sacrifice by altering his schedule, putting aside his other commitments, and even postponing his involvement in the All Progressives Congress (APC) grand rally in Owerri, Imo State, scheduled for Thursday.

Akpabio conveyed a clear message that any head of an agency who disregards the invitation to discuss the federal government’s economic blueprint is unfit to lead such an organization and should face the consequence of being relieved of their duties.

The Senate President asserted, “Any serious appointee or head of any agency with a vested interest in the success of President Bola Tinubu’s administration should be present.

“The committee should furnish me with a list of all the agency heads who were invited but failed to attend this session.

“Such non-participation marks the commencement of their inadequacy in their respective roles. Consequently, I am pleased to acknowledge the presence of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman and the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), among others.

“Any agency head who sends a representative here displays a lack of seriousness. Consequently, the President should reconsider the appointment of such individuals. This is not a threat but an unassailable truth.

“I made a substantial sacrifice by rescheduling my other commitments, including my participation in Owerri today at the final rally of my party and all my other engagements, to ensure my presence here. This is to facilitate our strategic planning for success.”