we did not apologize for inviting Bukhari – representatives
The House of Representatives said it did not apologize to Nigerian President Muhammadu Bukhari for urging him to address the country’s insecurity.
Benjamin Kalou, chairman of the House of Representatives Media and Public Affairs Committee, issued a rebuttal on Monday in a statement entitled “Clarification of the President’s Apology.”
The announcement was in response to media reports that the House of Representatives had withdrawn its invitation to the president and that those who supported the movement calling for Bukhari’s invitation had apologized to him.
Kalu, however, criticized the statements in the report.
The statement reads: “The House of Representatives has learned that several sections of the media have reported that the House has apologized to the President for the House resolution, which was prompted by a motion supported by members of the Borno State asking for an invitation. President to inform the nation about the unsafe situation in the country.
“The President or the Presidency, as the case may be, has never apologized to the House of Representatives for fulfilling its constitutional obligations to the Nigerian electorate. Where did the news come from in the media that the Chamber as an institution apologizes to someone? Media professionals are encouraged to adhere to the ethical standards of their profession.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the House has never apologized to anyone for fulfilling its constitutional mandate, and the 9th Assembly of the House of Representatives under the leadership of President Femi Gbajabiamila will not do anything to desecrate or destroy the most important institution of democracy. – Legislative Assembly. We firmly believe that President Muhammadu Bukhari also adheres to this spirit and democratic ideals. ”
In early December, the House invited Bukhari after discussing the recent massacre of 43 rice farmers in Borno State by Boko Haram rebels, based on a movement co-sponsored by Borno members.
President Femi Gbajabiamila met with the president and told reporters that Bukhari had agreed to attend a joint meeting of the National Assembly.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN) later stated that the National Assembly did not have the authority to summon the president to speak on security issues, which drew widespread criticism.
On December 10, the day Bukhari was due to appear before the legislature, Rep. Solomon Bob filed a motion to protest the proposed deletion of the invitation.
Gbajabiamila said, “Your privilege has been seen. Communication channels are procedural, and we will wait for official messages from the President instead of newspaper news. “
On the same day, Kalu addressed reporters, stating that the president had not yet communicated with the House of Representatives. He noticed that Malami was not speaking on behalf of Bukhari.
He also said that Bukhari was invited, not summoned, stressing that he should have involved lawmakers in dialogue and was not obliged to appear before them.
Kalu also said that the House will keep Bukhari in his words to Gbajabiamil, who will accept the invitation.
Since Bukhari has not yet announced that he will no longer come to the Chamber, he said, it would be wrong for lawmakers to assume that he will not accept the invitation.
Just last week, a House representative, when asked about the invitation, said: “… but I think the House of Representatives has given some time over the past two weeks to consider the President’s visit, and I want to leave that there. I don’t want us to discuss this further. “
