Address by the President 78. The President may personally or by a message, address the National Legislature or either of its two Houses. The National Legislature or either of its two Houses shall accord priority to such request over any other business. The President may also request the opinion of the National Legislature or either of its two Houses on any subject matter. Address by the Vice President and Statements by Ministers and Governors 79. (1) The Vice President may request to address the National Legislative Assembly or the Council of States. The concerned House shall provide an opportunity for hearing such address as promptly as possible. (2) A Minister of the National Government may request to deliver a statement before the National Legislative Assembly or the Council of States. (3) The National Legislative Assembly or the Council of States may summon a Governor of a state to make a statement before it on any important matter concerning his or her state for information or explanation. (4) A Governor may request to make a statement before the Council of States. Questions addressed to Ministers by Members of the National Legislature 80. Members of the National Legislative Assembly or the Council of States may, in either House, within the competence of the concerned House and subject to its Conduct of Business Regulations, address questions to a Minister of the National Government on any subject relating to his or her duties; the said Minister shall provide the appropriate House with a prompt reply. Request of Statements 81. The National Legislative Assembly or the Council of States may request a Minister of the National Government to deliver before it a statement on any matter of public concern. General Summons 82. (1) The National Legislative Assembly or any of its committees may summon any public official or any person within South Sudan, other than the President to testify or give opinion before it. (2) Inquiry on any matter that falls within the direct responsibility of the National Government may only be made after notifying the President. (3) Any person who refuses to appear before the National Legislative Assembly or any of its committees or refuses to produce any document as required under subArticle (1) above commits an offence punishable by law. 26