Reps clash over motion to invite Tinubu on budget implementation

Proceedings in the House of Representatives were disrupted on Wednesday after lawmakers engaged in a heated exchange over a motion seeking to invite President Bola Tinubu to address the chamber on the implementation of the 2025 Appropriation Act.

The disagreement erupted during plenary after Benedict Etanabene, who represents Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency of Delta State, raised a point of privilege over a circular issued by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi.

Etanabene drew the attention of the House to the June 29 directive instructing all federal ministries, departments and agencies to suspend the processing of payments for constituency and zonal intervention projects until such projects are vetted by the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs.

The lawmaker argued that the directive could further delay the implementation of the 2025 budget and undermine projects already approved under the Appropriation Act.

He consequently urged the House to invite President Tinubu to explain the delays in the execution of the budget and the implications of the accountant-general’s directive.

The proposal triggered a rowdy session as lawmakers expressed differing views over the motion during plenary.