Heated Debate Erupts as Reps Seek to Summon President Tinubu Over Project Funds

A session of the House of Representatives on Wednesday descended into disarray as members engaged in a heated argument concerning a motion that proposed summoning President Bola Tinubu. The core of the contention revolved around the alleged lack of funding for constituency projects across the nation.

Honourable Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, representing the Labour Party (LP) from Abia State, initiated the motion. His proposal called for President Tinubu to appear before the legislative chamber to account for the persistent delays in the allocation of funds for these crucial projects. Following the secondment of the motion, another lawmaker put forward an amendment suggesting a one-week suspension of plenary sessions until the matter was resolved. These propositions immediately ignited a fervent debate within the House.

Challenging the motion, Honourable Yusuf Gagdi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), representing Plateau State, argued against the necessity of inviting the President. Gagdi contended that the responsibility for implementing and funding constituency projects primarily rests with the relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), thus negating the need for a presidential summons. He also dismissed the idea of suspending legislative activities for a week, deeming it unwarranted.

Gagdi’s stance was met with strong opposition from several other lawmakers, leading to a cacophony of shouting and general disorder within the chamber. As tensions mounted, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas intervened. He directed the House to vote on the matter to establish its official position. However, the Speaker ultimately ruled the specific proposal to invite the President out of order, clarifying that it was not an integral part of the original motion moved by Honourable Mascot Ikwechegh.