Overzealous security men at the Presidential Villa, Thursday denied leadership of National Assembly access to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for the scheduled pre- budget dinner organized at the instance of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Business day gathered that the National Assembly leadership were turned back at the gate, by the security men, because they were not intimated about the planned meeting between the President and leadership of the National Assembly
Presidency had earlier scheduled the meeting as part of efforts to woo the lawmakers’ support for the 2018 budget.
The Senate President, Bukola Saraki later met privately with the President at the residence.
Speaking with the State House Correspondents after the meeting, Senator Saraki disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari apologized for the mixed up.
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The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, while reacting to the issues on his twitter handle announced that the dinner had been rescheduled for next week’s Tuesday, 31st October.
The president apologized to the leadership of the National Assembly over the mixup that led to their embarrassment caused by the security personnel in the Villa.
The apology was rendered when he met with both Saraki and Dogara, with Vice President Yemi Osinabjo as well as Senior Special Assistants in charge of National Assembly Matters Ita Enang and Hon. Baraji Kawu.
He also instructed the chief of staff, Abba Kyari to collect the names of all the principal officers of both houses and bring them for clearance so that they will be issued Presidential Villa tags.
According to Saraki who spoke later, ” We had dinner with the President and after that, we had fruitful discussion”
“He said the issue that led to the embarrassment has been resolved and they are back in the Presidential Villa.”
“He said a bigger meeting with the entire leadership of the National Assembly will be held in the next few days.” Saraki stated.
Tony Ailemen, Abuja
