On Friday, December 13, 2024, former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, criticized ministers who fail to respond to Senate summons. Speaking during plenary, Kalu called on President Bola Tinubu to remove ministers who do not attend to the Senate’s requests.
Kalu, who represents Abia North in the Senate, also urged the Senate to take action against ministers and contractors who ignore the parliament’s summons.
“They will insult our chairmen and the people working in the Senate. You invite a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and some of them won’t even listen to the committee chairmen,” Kalu said. “Enough is enough. We should hold these ministers accountable and ask Mr. President to drop them.”
Kalu pointed out that it was unacceptable for a committee chairman to spend several days trying to contact a minister without any response, adding, “They are doing the same thing Julius Berger is doing,” referring to delays and lack of communication.
Emphasizing respect for the Senate, Kalu stressed the need for ministers and heads of parastatals to show accountability. “The parliament must track the performance of every minister and head of parastatals and submit the report to the president,” he said. “We are not here for jokes. We must use our powers.”
