Don’t Embarrass Yourself, Address National Assembly – Falana Tells Buhari

Femi Falana

A prominent activist, Femi Falana, warned President Muhammadu Buhari against humiliating himself by refusing the invitation to address the National Assembly on issues of insecurity plaguing the country.

Although faulting the observations of Abubakar Malami, Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Falana issued the warning that the National Assembly has no authority to summon Buhari.

Malami clarified that security concerns were on the Executive's exclusive list, so the National Assembly is entitled to summon the President to do so.

On Thursday, Buhari was expected to appear before lawmakers.

Falana insisted, responding to Malami's argument, that the National Assembly has the power to summon the President.

Falani, in a statement, said: “On his own part, the honourable Attorney-General of the federation has questioned the constitutional power of the National Assembly to invite the President on the grounds that as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, he cannot be compelled to disclose operational details of the defence of the country.

“With respect, the President is under a moral and legal obligation to honour the invitation.

“Having accepted the invitation, the president should not allow himself to be embarrassed by turning round to turn down the invitation.”