The Rivers State Governor said Buhari should have honoured the invitation if not for anything, seeing the level of insecurity leading to deaths, particularly in Borno State and other parts of the country.
Wike said he does not think the House was inviting the President for a question and answers session, adding that it would have been wise for Buhari to go there with a brief to address the congress.
The Governor also faulted the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation for turning Buhari’s National Assembly invitation into a legal issue.
Recall that the House of Representatives had invited Buhari to address the nation on the state of security in the country, an invitation that the Commander-In-Chief accepted.
But Malami later argued that the legislature has no constitutional power to summon the President.
Wike, however, said by so doing, the Minister has put Buhari’s reputation in line rather than protecting the president’s integrity.
“There is insecurity. People are dying. You don’t go by a legal approach to solve that problem. If Mr. President had given the assurance, saying my integrity is at stake, therefore I will go, that decision was not taken without talking first to his inner cabinet,” Wike said, according to Channels Television.
“It’s not a question and answers session. You go with a brief to address the congress. To say, see where it was when we came, see where we are today. Yes, we have not achieved what we thought, but what we require from everyone is cooperation.
“For me, I think this is not the period to be legalistic. This is the period every Nigerian should be concerned about what is happening.
“Just this morning (Friday), I heard that 16 people were killed on Abuja-Kaduna road yesterday. Look at the loss of life in Borno State.
“Senate has said look, Mr. President, relief all Service Chiefs, which means they are concerned about the security situation in the country.”
(DailyPost)
