Reps Descend Into Chaos Over Move To Summon Tinubu
The House of Representatives was thrown into a heated session on Wednesday after lawmakers clashed over a motion seeking to invite President Bola Tinubu to explain the alleged delay in funding constituency projects across the country.
The disagreement sparked shouting matches and sharp exchanges among members, forcing Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to intervene as tensions rose on the floor of the Green Chamber.
The motion was moved by Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, who argued that the continued delay in releasing funds for constituency projects had affected the implementation of critical development programmes in many federal constituencies.
During the debate, another lawmaker proposed that the House suspend plenary for one week until the funding issue was resolved, a suggestion that further divided members and intensified the rowdy atmosphere.
However, Yusuf Gagdi opposed both proposals, insisting that the President should not be summoned because the execution and funding of constituency projects fall under the responsibilities of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies rather than the Presidency.
As arguments continued across party lines, Speaker Abbas called for order and directed lawmakers to vote on the matter after restoring calm in the chamber.
The Speaker subsequently ruled the proposal to summon President Tinubu out of order, explaining that it was not part of the original motion presented before the House for consideration.
The development highlights growing concerns among lawmakers over the pace of constituency project implementation as debates continue over the release of funds approved under the national budget.