President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered a speedy conclusion of the ongoing forensic audit of the finances of the Niger Delta Development Commission.
“All investigating agencies and auditing firms currently working collaboratively with National Assembly Committees to audit and reposition the NDDC must act with urgency and a sense of purpose, and ensure that I am kept informed of any and all actions being taken,” the President said on his verified Twitter handle, @MBuhari.
This came as the President warned ministries, departments, and agencies, as well all appointees of the government, against disrespecting the National Assembly
In a statement by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the president, Buhari gave the order when he received the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Shehu’s statement was captioned, ‘President Buhari reads riot act to ministers, MDAs, Chief Executives on a relationship with NASS.’
On the recent events surrounding the Niger Delta, the president said he was determined to get to the root of the problem undermining the development of the area, “in spite of the enormous national resources dedicated to this annually. This administration remains committed to bringing rapid, even and sustainable development to the region.
“In line with this, I have made it clear to the National Assembly and our investigating and law enforcement agencies to pursue better coordination in their work, so that the shared goal of ensuring sanity, transparency, and accountability of dedicated funds can be achieved,” he said.
Buhari’s warning against disrespect for the legislators came on the heels of rumblings emanating from disagreements between them and Festus Keyamo, Minister of State, Labour and Employment, over the proposed 774,000 jobs to cover Nigeria’s 774 local governments.
The disagreements bordered on the roles that the legislators should play in the selection of beneficiaries of the scheme.
“In the course of their conversation, recent events at the National Assembly were highlighted and the President re-emphasized his utmost respect for the National Assembly, adding that any disrespect to the institution by any member of the executive branch will not be accepted.
“Ministers and all heads of departments and agencies should at all times conduct themselves in ways that will not undermine the National Assembly as an institution, its leadership, and members,” the statement said.
