The Ekiti Speaker is concerned by the failure of government personnel to honour summons.

Mr Adeoye Aribasoye, Speaker of the Ekiti House of Assembly, has voiced concern about the unwillingness of some government officials to honour parliamentary summons.

“The house may be compelled to invoke its constitutional powers against the erring officials and sanction them appropriately,” Aribasoye stated at the session of the Assembly on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti.

“In the interest of the people of the state, some members of the executive and some officers in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies have failed to appear to answer questions from lawmakers and bring documents required of them for legislative scrutiny.”

“The house has the ability to bark and bite. “We are not to be taken for granted,” he said.

He advised people summoned to present documents or appear before a Committee not to procrastinate because the House may use the powers granted to it by the Constitution.

“We have it on good authority that some MDAs have been asked to produce documents, and some of them are dragging their feet.”

“I advise them not to push the house.” They should not push us to that level, and they should not wait until we use our powers against them.

“This is a warning to all officers who have been invited and those who have been asked to produce one or more documents.”

“The House of Assembly reaffirms its commitment to putting Ekiti’s good people first.” We shall not give in to the demands of any individual or group with their own agenda. It is our responsibility to represent the people.

“Furthermore, we want to emphasise that no government official, especially those in the executive branch, should underestimate our authority.”

“We urge those who have been summoned to provide documents or appear before a committee to do so without delay.” It is in their best interests to abide by the norms and laws before this parliament exercises its authority.

“They should understand that the law is superior to them.” The speaker said, “This is my warning note, and let it be heard everywhere.” (NAN)