The House of Representatives on Wednesday rejected a motion seeking to summon President Bola Tinubu to explain the slow implementation of the 2025 Appropriation Act, following a heated debate that briefly disrupted plenary.
The controversy began when the lawmaker representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency, Benedict Etanabene, raised a point of privilege over a circular issued by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, dated June 29.
The circular directed all federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to suspend the processing of payments for Constituency and Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs) unless such projects receive prior clearance from the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Etanabene argued that the directive could further delay the implementation of the 2025 budget and urged the House to invite President Tinubu to explain the development and the broader challenges affecting budget execution.
Supporting the motion, Mascot Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency, warned that delays in fund releases were slowing the execution of critical government projects and programmes.
The proposal, however, sharply divided lawmakers, with several members opposing the motion. The disagreement quickly degenerated into a rowdy session as lawmakers repeatedly shouted “Sit down!” at colleagues speaking in support of the proposal.
After nearly 30 minutes of heated debate, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas ruled against the motion.
Abbas explained that the prayers presented on the floor differed from those contained in the original version submitted by the sponsors, describing the changes as a departure from the approved text. Consequently, he declined to allow the motion to proceed.
