Abuja: The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has issued a stern warning to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the government, emphasizing the mandatory nature of complying with Senate resolutions. He underlined that adherence to legislative directives is not a matter of choice but a binding obligation for MDAs and other public institutions.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Akpabio shared these remarks during the 2nd National Workshop organized by the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance in Abuja. The workshop, themed ‘Consolidating Strategies for Strengthening Legislative Compliance by MDAs,’ aimed to address issues of non-compliance and strengthen the relationship between the legislative body and government agencies.
Represented by Sen. Osita Ngwu, the Minority Whip of the Senate, Akpabio highlighted the constitutional duty that all arms and levels of government owe to the Nigerian populace. He emphasized that laws, policies, and oversight functions are designed to guide government programs towards transparency, equity, and effectiveness. Non-compliance by departments and agencies not only undermines legislative authority but also the collective will of the Nigerian people.
Akpabio stressed the importance of collaboration between public institutions and the National Assembly to foster an egalitarian society. He warned against selective compliance and disdain for oversight, which could lead to a breakdown in public trust. He assured that the National Assembly is committed to ensuring its resolutions are respected and implemented, advocating for institutional discipline alongside engagement.
Sen. Ede Dafinone, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance, expressed concerns over the disregard of National Assembly resolutions by some MDAs. He noted that such actions weaken democratic institutions and called for a platform to address the root causes of non-compliance, including legal ambiguities and bureaucratic challenges. Dafinone urged MDAs to work towards aligning legislation with execution for effective governance.
Mr. Francis Usani, representing the Chairman of the EFCC, commended the workshop’s timing, noting the rising instances of laws and regulations being ignored. He reinforced the legislature’s role in making laws for good governance and the critical importance of compliance to sustain democratic institutions, warning of potential anarchy if laws are not adhered to.