President Muhammadu Buhari has agreed to honour the invitation of the House of Representatives to answer questions bordering on the security challenges confronting the nation.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed this to State House Correspondents after a meeting with President Buhari on Wednesday evening in his office at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.
KanyiDaily recalls that during Tuesday’s plenary, the House of Representatives had resolved to invite President Buhari to come and answer question about the security situation in the country.
Speaking to State House Correspondents after the meeting, Gbajabiamila said the President has agreed to address the lawmakers on the floor of the House of Representatives “in the nearest future.”
The Speaker said the lawmakers spoke to Buhari on burning issues and he was willing to listen “as is typical of Mr. President, the usual democrat that he is.”
“What we basically sought was to convey the resolution of the House and to fix a date which we did not fix out of respect for Mr President and his very tight schedule, what date will be convenient.
“We have agreed on a date and he will meet with the House to address the situation. We have fixed a date but we will communicate with you.
“He is a perfect democrat; he will come to the House to address members in the nearest future,” the speaker said.
When asked how the President is feeling about the security challenges, Gbajabiamila said: “I think he is more concerned than me and you. Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.
“We will leave everything until when he comes to the House. Let me not pre-empt him. All I can tell you for now is that he is fully committed to the security of lives and property of Nigerians.”
The Speaker explained that since all constituencies in the country were represented in the House of Representatives, Buhari’s address to the lawmakers can be taken as an address to the nation.
KanyiDaily recalls that a Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose had described House of Reps as “mere toothless bulldogs”, adding that he would be surprised if Buhari honours their invitation because they only exist on paper in the eyes of the President.