President Muhammadu Buhari has failed to honour the invitation by members of the House of Representatives to address them over security state of the country as plenary commenced on Thursday.
Members of the House of Representatives on December 1 passed a resolution to invite President Buhari.
This decision was taken when the House considered a motion moved by members from Borno State on the beheading of 43 rice farmers in the state by Boko Haram insurgents.
In response to this, the President’s Personal Assistant on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie announced on Monday, December 7 that the President will address a joint session of the National Assembly.
Read Also: Insecurity: Buhari To Address Joint National Assembly Sitting On Thursday
However, at the commencement of plenary on Thursday, there was no sight of President Buhari.
Strong indications emerged on Wednesday that pressure was being mounted on Buhari to shun the House when Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN) said the National Assembly lacked the powers to summon the President to speak on security matters, a claim that has generated wide criticisms.
Read Also: Insecurity: National Assembly Lacks Constitutional Power To Summon Buhari – AGF, Abubakar Malami
Following Buhari’s absence, a lawmaker from Rivers State, Solomon Bob raised a point of order over the President’s refusal to honour the invitation of the house.
He asked the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila to update the House on the subject matter.
The Speaker responded by saying the House will wait for official communication from the President.
