Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday urges all government appointees to stop making statements that may further worsen the relationship between the two efforts between the executive and the National Assembly.
The party has been involved in efforts to end the face- off between some appointees of President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly. In a press statement signed by Bolaji Abdullahi, its spokesperson on Wednesday, APC said it is essential for government appointees to stop antagonizing the National Assembly in their speeches to ensure success of efforts to resolve the rift between the Executive and the National Assembly
“Specifically, the Party urges Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption (PACAC) to exercise restraint and desist from making utterances that may be misconstrued as an attack on the institution of the National Assembly,” the party said.
APC also said it acknowledged the fatherly role being played by President E Muhammadu Buhari to resolve outstanding issues with the National Assembly, by setting up a high-level committee led by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
“We believe the comments attributed to Prof. Sagay are uncalled for, regrettable and could further complicate the relationship between these vital arms of government.
“Our expectation would be that as a Law Professor of repute, Prof. Sagay would appreciate the need to not denigrate the institutions of democracy, be it the Executive, Legislature or Judiciary.
“Moreover, as an appointee of Mr. President, we should expect the learned Professor to key into his principal’s temper and help him to make friends that would make his job easier and not make enemies of people who, by virtue of the position they occupy under our law, are critical to the running of government and the nurturing of our democracy.
“The Party specifically objects to the Professor’s call on the Senate to withdraw invitation extended to him. As someone appointed by our government, we find this kind of posturing unacceptable and potentially injurious to the peace efforts by the Party.
“The Party wishes to reiterate its earlier position admonishing all elected or appointed officials of our government to desist from utterances that may endanger efforts to build harmonious relationship between the two arms of government. Prof. Sagay should not operate outside this admonition.
“The Party expresses happiness with the meeting it had with the Senate Caucus on Tuesday and is confident that all the issues raised will be addressed. It also urges the National Assembly to further intensify its efforts to ensure timely passage of the 2017 National Budget,” Abdullahi said in the statement.
View Comments (2)
The learned Prof. seems not to realise that he is a public servant and adviser.No matter how correct his views may be,they are all subject to the concurent approval of the President and the legislature.When you are annoyed and speak,the press will help you to enter more trouble.Silence is golden.
The position of APC on this matter is irresponsible. APC should call its half educated legislators to order. The truth is that Nigerians are helpless to booth all the legislators out of the N/A. Have they not turned themselves to mafia, who are only interested in hijacking power from the presidency. Prof Sagay is absolutely correct. Prof, if they want to force you to appear, please resign after all, you are already made. Don't allow anybody to rubbish you and your good name