The House of Representatives plunged into a rowdy session on Wednesday as members disagreed sharply over a motion to summon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Benedict Etanabene, who represents the Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie federal constituency in Delta State, raised a point of privilege. He drew attention to a June 29 circular issued by Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, the Accountant-General of the Federation.
Etanabene stated that the circular would frustrate the execution of the 2025 Appropriation Act and urged the House to invite Tinubu to explain the delays in budget implementation.
Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, a Labour Party lawmaker from Abia State, moved a related motion. He called on Tinubu to appear before the House over the persistent delay in funding constituency projects. The motion, which was seconded, also proposed a one-week shutdown of the House.
Yusuf Gagdi strongly opposed the move. Gagdi argued that summoning the President was unnecessary because heads of relevant agencies handled funding and implementation. Heated exchanges followed as members shouted across the chamber.
Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House, ruled the prayer to summon Tinubu out of order. He noted that it deviated from the original motion and called for a vote on the matter. Proceedings briefly halted amid the chaos before the House reconvened.
The session occurred as the House deliberated on Tinubu’s N1.15 trillion borrowing request. Lawmakers expressed frustration over slow budget performance and its impact on constituency projects.
The disagreement highlighted ongoing tensions between the legislature and the executive over fiscal matters.
