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The House of Representatives descended into a heated and rowdy session on Wednesday after lawmakers clashed over a motion seeking to invite President Bola Tinubu to appear before the chamber to explain the slow implementation of the 2025 Appropriation Act and delays in funding constituency projects. The controversy began when Benedict Etanabene, who represents Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency in Delta State, raised concerns over a June 29 circular issued by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, directing Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to suspend payments for constituency and zonal intervention projects pending further verification.
The motion, supported by Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, argued that persistent delays in releasing appropriated funds had stalled government projects nationwide and warranted the President’s explanation before lawmakers. However, the proposal sharply divided the chamber. While some members backed the invitation as part of the legislature’s oversight responsibility, others, including Yusuf Gagdi, argued that budget implementation falls under the responsibility of ministers and heads of MDAs rather than the President personally. The disagreement escalated into shouting matches that repeatedly disrupted proceedings, forcing Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to intervene and call for order.
Following the heated exchanges, the Speaker declined requests to split the motion for separate voting and instead referred the matter to an ad hoc committee for further consideration. The incident highlights growing concern within the National Assembly over delays in budget implementation and the release of funds for constituency projects, issues that lawmakers say continue to affect infrastructure development and service delivery across the country.
