Former Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Solomon Enang, has warned the 10th Senate against exceeding its constitutional boundaries by summoning or investigating private companies not involved in public fund management or law implementation.
Speaking at a capacity-building workshop organised by the Senate Press Corps at the National Assembly Library Complex in Abuja, Enang cautioned lawmakers to remain within the limits of their constitutional mandate.
The event focused on the theme: “Parliamentary Reporting: Issues, Challenges and Responsibilities.”
“There is a current trend where the legislature, through her committees, has exceeded her powers in many respects, especially concerning private companies and citizens beyond her remit,” Enang said.
“The National Assembly has no legislative or investigative authority over private companies not involved in executing public laws or disbursing public funds.”
A five-term lawmaker who served in both the Senate and House of Representatives from 1999 to 2015, Enang based his argument on Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which he said confines the National Assembly’s legislative powers to matters on the Exclusive Legislative List and oversight of public institutions handling public funds.
He cited judicial precedents, including DHL International Nigeria Limited v. Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and NECA & Ors v. Attorney-General of the Federation, to support his position. According to him, these rulings affirm that private companies fall outside the scope of legislative investigation under Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution.
Referencing the NECA judgment, Enang noted that Justice J.H. Sankey of the Court of Appeal held that private companies not responsible for implementing public laws or managing state funds cannot be subject to legislative probes.
He added that Senate committees’ continued actions in this area — especially when legal cases are pending — undermine the rule of law and judicial authority.
His comments followed closely after a public letter by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), published in THISDAY (September 8, 2025, page 15), which criticised what it described as unnecessary legislative interference in private corporate affairs.
“Such practices create confusion, undermine the authority of MDAs, and waste valuable business resources,” Enang said, urging lawmakers to wait for the Supreme Court’s final verdict on the matter.
Addressing members of the Senate Press Corps, Enang also encouraged more focused and responsible parliamentary reporting. He advised journalists to pay attention to bills and legislative content rather than chasing sensational headlines.
“I encourage you to obtain and study bills before reporting on them. Doing so will elevate the quality of your journalism and ensure accurate public understanding of legislative intentions,” he said.
Enang recommended regular training for journalists covering the legislature, suggesting collaboration with institutions like the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS). He concluded by urging reporters to consider political participation, saying, “Others have done it. You too can.”
