Senate President Godswill Akpabio has asked President Bola Tinubu to caution “intransigent ministers” in his cabinet who would not respond to invitations by the National Assembly, stating such individuals do not have a place in his government.
He emphasized that the National Assembly’s requests must be swiftly addressed by ministers and the president’s appointees.
Since these ministers are not democrats, Akpabio claimed they had no place in Tinubu’s government.
The Senate President made his reservations on ministers clear during the budget presentation.
“Those who disregard invitation by the National Assembly are not democratic and therefore have no place in your government,” Akpabio told Tinubu.
He stressed the need for ministers and appointees of the President to respond promptly to the requests of the National Assembly to provide necessary explanations regarding their stewardship.
The Senate President said the legislators have the constitutional powers to take action when they refuse to appear before the red and green chambers.
Tinubu was accompanied to the budget presentation by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, among other top government officials.
The presentation was expected to take place on Tuesday but that was moved to Wednesday after a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The Senate President also flayed critics of President Bola Tinubu’s tax reforms as lacking an understanding of what the initiatives were truly about.
In his remarks at the presentation of the 2025 budget estimate by President Tinubu to a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday.
He said, “Your Excellency, we commend you on your groundbreaking tax reform initiative. The four tax reform bills—the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024; and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024—represent a monumental shift in our fiscal landscape.
“It is disheartening that those who have not taken the time to understand these bills are the loudest critics. I urge all Nigerians, especially those in public office, to engage with these vital reforms thoughtfully.
This initiative marks the first comprehensive tax reform since Nigeria’s independence, presenting a transformative opportunity for rejuvenating small and medium enterprises and enhancing the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.
“These reforms will not only improve Nigeria’s revenue profile but also create a more conducive and internationally competitive business environment, transforming our tax system to support sustainable development.”
