Senate President Godswill Akpabio has warned Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government against non-compliance with National Assembly resolutions.
He said that compliance with legislative resolutions was not optional but binding on MDAs and other public institutions.
Akpabio stated this at the 2nd National Workshop organised by the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance in Abuja yesterday.
The theme of the workshop is “Consolidating Strategies for Strengthening Legislative Compliance by MDAs.”
Akpabio, represented by Senate Minority Whip Osita Ngwu, said compliance was a constitutional obligation owed by all arms and levels of government to Nigerians.
He said: ” Let me state emphatically, compliance with legislative resolutions is not optional. It is fundamental.
“Our laws, policies, and oversight functions are meant to guide the execution of government programmes in a manner that ensures transparency, equity, and effectiveness.
“When departments and agencies fail to comply with legislative directives, they undermine not just the authority of the Legislature but the collective will of the Nigerian people, whom we all represent.”
The president of the Senate stressed the need for public institutions to work closely with the National Assembly to develop an egalitarian society.
“When public institutions ignore legislative resolutions, when compliance becomes selective, and when oversight is treated with disdain, the result is a breakdown in trust.
“As the President of the Senate, I give you full assurance that the National Assembly remains unwavering in its resolve to ensure that its resolutions are not only respected but also implemented.
“The days of impunity must give way to the reign of institutional discipline. However, enforcement must be accompanied by engagement,” he said.
Ede Dafinone, chairman of the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance decried the non-compliance of some MDAS to National Assembly resolutions.
“In recent times, we have witnessed several instances where MDAs and public institutions have either delayed or outrightly disregarded legislative resolutions passed by the Senate.
“These actions not only undermine the authority of the legislature but also weaken the very foundation of our democratic institutions,” Dafinone said.
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