The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils and Ancillary Matters has issued a formal summons to Dr. Mariya Bunkure, Minister of State for FCT, directing her to appear before the committee on Tuesday, May 27.
This decision follows her failure to attend a previously scheduled budget review session concerning the FCT’s financial plans.
The committee’s chairman, Hon. Fredrick Agbedi, made the announcement in Abuja on Monday, expressing strong disappointment that only three out of the 14 agencies operating under Bunkure’s oversight had participated in the session.
Agbedi criticised the minister’s failure to attend the meeting, cautioning that if she does not appear on the rescheduled date, the House may exercise its legislative powers to compel her presence.
He pointed out that President Bola Tinubu had earlier instructed the legislature to fast-track the budget process, which further underscored the urgency and importance of the meeting. Agbedi highlighted what he described as a lack of seriousness on Bunkure’s part regarding a national responsibility as crucial as the federal budget.
According to Agbedi, the invitation was properly communicated to the minister and to all the agencies under her authority. He reiterated that the committee, like the entire National Assembly, plays a vital role in representing the interests of both the indigenous communities and the broader population of the FCT.
“Our committee’s efforts are closely tied to the everyday realities of the people living in the FCT,” Agbedi said, noting the importance of effective collaboration between the executive and legislative arms to ensure efficient governance.
He also called on President Tinubu to respond swiftly to what he viewed as an inappropriate disregard of a critical legislative process.
Adding to the criticism, Hon. Paul Kalejaye, who represents the Ajeromi Ifelodun Federal Constituency in Lagos State, described the minister’s absence as a direct affront to the National Assembly’s constitutional authority. He stressed the legislature’s role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring public officials fulfil their statutory duties.
What you should know
Dr. Mariya Bunkure, Minister of State for FCT, has been summoned by a House committee after missing a budget hearing.
Lawmakers see her absence as a slight to legislative authority and stress the urgency of her appearance, especially in light of President Tinubu’s directive to speed up budget proceedings.
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