Politics
Senator Kalu Criticizes Ministers For Ignoring Senate Invitations
Abia North Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, has called on the Senate to take strong action against ministers who refuse to honor invitations from committee chairmen.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Kalu made this call on Thursday while speaking in support of a motion raised by Senator Osita Ngwu of Enugu West, regarding Julius Berger’s failure to attend committee meetings.
Kalu noted that the refusal to honor committee invitations by Julius Berger had become a recurring issue for many ministers, as well as heads of government agencies, departments, and parastatals.
He urged the Senate to take decisive steps against ministers and government officials who disregard committee invitations, calling for a performance record to be established for all ministers and heads of agencies.
“I was present at the meeting where Julius Berger refused to attend. They have been doing this in the past nine Senate sessions, and it’s a pattern. I urge this Senate to take action against them. If they are a construction company, they must answer to Parliament. It’s not just Julius Berger,” Kalu said.
He added, “Some ministers are not even accessible to the committees. They disrespect committee chairs and Senate members. When you invite a federal minister, they ignore committee chairs and refuse to answer calls. This behavior is unacceptable, and it must stop.”
Kalu further emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “We are protected under Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution. We cannot allow this to continue. This is the legislature, and we must be respected. We cannot be treated as if we are irrelevant.”
He also criticized ministers and heads of parastatals who fail to attend meetings, recounting how some chairmen of federal agencies had complained about ministers’ absence from committee sessions.
“The Senate should establish a performance record for ministers and report to the president. We are here to do serious work, not to chase after ministers who fail to show up,” Kalu said. “It is frustrating and disrespectful, and we must use our constitutional powers to address this.”
Kalu concluded by thanking the Senate President for the opportunity to voice his concerns, expressing his frustration with the ongoing issue.
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