Naija News

…I was under pressure— Maku
ABUJA—Senate has described the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran
Maku, as a public officer who talks carelessly without first thinking
of the implications of such utterances.

Senate President, David Mark, who made the comments yesterday during
plenary, in response to claims by Maku that National Assembly
resolutions are not binding on the executive arm of government, urged
President Goodluck Jonathan to call his Minister to order.

He threatened that the Senate would not hesitate to call for the
sacking of any minister that get involves in disparaging the National
Assembly.

Mark said: "I think the Minister of Information is a careless talker.
He talks very carelessly. He did not think properly. He is not an
educator and we need to educate him. I hope the President cautions him
and calls him to order.

"And I think next time he does that, we will take a resolution here
that any minister who talks carelessly be removed because there was
really no need for that."

Mark also called into question the tradition of 'bow and go' approach
in screening of ministerial nominees, observing that the comments by
Maku was indicative of the levity of his screening at the Senate.

He said: "I think this is a hard lesson for Senators who ask ministers
to take a bow and go."

Maku was later summoned by the Senate to clarify his statements on
National Assembly resolutions.

He told the Committee that his statement was misinterpreted, adding
that the comments were not intended to disrespect the National
Assembly.

He further admitted before the committee he was made a minister upon
the adoption of a resolution of the Senate by the President and noted
that resolutions of the National Assembly are binding on the executive
arm of government, as well being important tolls for good governance
of the country.

He said: "I have no reason to denigrate the authority of the highest
legislative body. The Senate, being the highest legislative body, has
played very constructive role in the stabilisation of Nigeria's
democracy.

"I have no reason personally or individually to disparage the Senate.
If that comment has been misinterpreted to mean that the Federal
Government does not respect resolutions of the Senate, I tender my
apology."