The lawmaker representing Kogi West, senator Dino Melaye Thursday took exceptions to the uncomplimentary remarks credited to President Muhammadu Buhari against the National Assembly and demanded for an apology.
It would be recalled that Buhari last week when the leadership of one of his campaign organisations led by the comptroller-General of customs, Hameed Ali, was in Aso Villa for a solidarity visit queried the importance of the National Assembly, saying many lawmakers had even spent more than 10 years without achieving anything.
By this statement, Melaye said it was uncomplimentary and derogatory to the reputation of the hallowed chambers and functions of the parliament particularly under a democratic dispensation.
It is on this premise that Melaye under an adopted order 14 called for an apology from the President.
In his explanation, the recuperating lawmaker said his privileges were breached by the statement made by Buhari.
“Mr. President, you will recall that last week, during the solidarity visit of one of the campaign organisations of Mr. President led by the comptroller -General of Customs, the President in his address said he does not know what we are doing in NASS even as some of us have spent over 10 years in the parliament.
“Such derogatory, demeaning statements and insult should not be allowed to go unnoticed”.
The embattled lawmaker said the statement from the president indicated why the comptroller General of customs, Hameed Ali, Economic and financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu and the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris have alternately been dishonouring Senate invitations with impunity.
He also faulted the frontline participation and position of Ali as Campaign Director of Buhari’s Campaign Organization against the backdrop that he is simultaneously the boss of the paramilitary agency.
Melaye said, “This action was an aberration and unconstitutional for the customs comptroller- General to be appointed the Director-General of a campaign organisation”.
He also said Buhari should not be in doubt of the importance of the National Assembly, after all, he had signed the Anti-Jungle Justice bill sponsored by him into law while two other bills he sponsored are also on his table awaiting his assent.
He said Buhari was busy creating great men when he was supposed to be creating great institutions, protect the institutions and preserve democracy.
However, Senate President, Bukola Saraki in his reaction said, “conclusion on the President’s statement should not be rushed. We all have agreed to protect this institution but the political participation by the agencies must be called to order”.
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