by Isi Esene

These are very interesting times, indeed.

Joy Emodi, the special adviser to the president on National Assembly matters, on Wednesday disclosed that any presidential aide who makes disparaging remarks about the legislature is on his own.

She said the unflattering remarks attributed to the special adviser to the president on political affairs, Ahmed Gulak, and the special assistant to the president on media, Dr. Doyin Okupe as it relates to the performance of the legislature do not represent the views of the president and should be discountenanced.

Emodi said, “Let me state categorically that the alleged statements neither reflect the views of the President, His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on the National Assembly nor the enormous respect he has for the institution.

“In other words, those to whom the statements were credited were on their own and never spoke the mind of Mr. President.

“The legislature remains the central link in the presidential system and Mr. President has by his leadership principles predicated on the rule of law and his personal political temperament as a listening President and one never averse to constructive criticism, ensured that both arms of Government work together for common good.”

Ahmed Gulak was quoted to have said that the perceived poor 2012 Budget implementation should be blamed on the legislature and not on the executive.

According to reports, Emodi noted that her office which served as liaison between the President’s office and the National Assembly had enjoyed the support and encouragement of both the President and the National Assembly.

While calling for restraint and maturity in handling all matters relating to the relationship between the two arms of government, she reassured members of the National Assembly and the public of continued cordial working relationship between the executive and the National Assembly.