A heated debate erupted in the House of Representatives on Wednesday after lawmakers clashed over a motion seeking to summon President Bola Tinubu to explain the slow implementation of the 2025 budget.
The controversy began when the member representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency in Delta State, Benedict Etanabene, raised a point of privilege during plenary. He drew the attention of the House to a circular dated June 29 and issued by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi.
The circular directed all federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to halt 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 Appropriation Act and urged the House to invite President Tinubu to explain the situation and the broader challenges affecting budget execution.
Backing the concerns, the lawmaker representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency in Abia State, Mascot Ikwechegh, also criticised the slow pace of budget implementation, warning that funding delays were hindering the delivery of government projects and programmes.
The proposal, however, divided members of the House, with several lawmakers openly opposing the motion. The disagreement quickly escalated into a rowdy session as members repeatedly shouted “sit down” at colleagues speaking in favour of the proposal.
The heated exchanges disrupted plenary and resulted in a debate that lasted for about 30 minutes.
At the end of the deliberations, Speaker of the House, 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.
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