Ahmed Lawan, former senate president, has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu is inaccessible.
Speaking to State House correspondents in Abuja on Thursday
after a private meeting with Tinubu, Lawan urged politicians and critics to
engage directly with the president rather than complain from afar.
“Of course, the president was very receptive. I feel very
honoured. The president welcomed me, and I must say I was really touched,” he
said.
“That’s because I’m the only person the president saw today,
and probably the only person he will see today.
“That shows how welcome I was to see the president, and I
feel so great that I’ve been able to come and see him.
“That is to say that Nigerians are free to see the
president. If you want to see Mr President, if you have something to tell him,
he is very, very accessible.
“If someone feels otherwise, it’s not me, and I don’t think it’s fair to just stay somewhere and criticise when you have access.
“I don’t think it’s fair to just stay somewhere and criticise when access to the president is available.”
Lawan also called for accountability in capital project
execution, respect for the armed forces, and faster coordination between the
executive and legislature on the 2026 budget.
He said members of the national assembly are making efforts
to ensure the full implementation of constituency and national projects across
the country.
“Members of the national assembly are still working hard to
ensure that the necessary steps and procedures are taken for constituency
projects to be implemented,” he said.
“We are purely nationalistic and patriotic. We want every
part of the country to benefit, whether the projects come from constituency
allocations or the regular budgetary provisions.”
On the delayed presentation of the 2026 budget, Lawan
stressed the need for speed and cooperation between both arms of government.
“Time is of the essence when it comes to the budget for the
country,” he said.
“Both the executive and the legislature are working very
closely to ensure that the 2026 budget estimates are presented to the national
assembly as quickly as possible.”
He added that the legislature would not delay the process
once the budget reaches the legislative chamber.
“We will not waste any time. We will ensure proper scrutiny
and pass the budget as fast as possible,” he said.
Lawan, who chairs the senate committee on defence, also
reaffirmed his respect for the Nigerian military and emphasised the need for
accountability in defence spending.
“I know how committed our armed forces are. They deserve our
respect and support at all times,” he said.
“This administration is giving a lot of funds to the armed
forces and other security agencies. The next step is to ensure we get value for
every kobo invested.”
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