By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The House of Representatives on Wednesday witnessed a heated session after lawmakers debated a motion seeking to summon President Bola Tinubu to explain the alleged delay in funding constituency projects across Nigeria. The motion, moved by Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, triggered sharp disagreements during plenary as members argued over who should take responsibility for the implementation and financing of constituency projects.
Motion Seeks Presidential Appearance
Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency under the Labour Party, urged the House to invite President Tinubu to explain the continued delay in releasing funds for constituency projects.
He argued that the delays had affected project execution and denied many communities the benefits of approved interventions.
Another lawmaker seconded the motion, allowing debate to begin on the House floor.
Lawmakers Differ Over Responsibility
During the debate, Yusuf Gagdi, who represents Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), opposed the proposal.
Gagdi insisted that the President should not be summoned over the matter.
According to him, ministries, departments and agencies are responsible for implementing and funding constituency projects.
He maintained that inviting the President would not address the underlying administrative issues.
Amendment Sparks Heated Exchange
As discussions continued, another lawmaker proposed an amendment asking the House to suspend plenary for one week until the funding issue was resolved.
The proposal immediately sparked intense arguments among members.
Several lawmakers rejected the suggestion, leading to shouting and disorder inside the chamber.
Speaker Abbas Rejects Proposals
To restore order, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas directed the House to vote on the matter.
However, he ruled that the proposal to summon President Tinubu was out of order because it was not part of the original motion presented by Ikwechegh.
The Speaker also dismissed the suggestion to suspend legislative activities for one week.
He described the proposal as unnecessary and directed the House to continue with its scheduled business.
Heated Debate Reflects Growing Concerns
Although the debate exposed sharp divisions among lawmakers, it also highlighted growing concerns over delays in funding constituency projects.
The issue remains a major concern for legislators, many of whom say the projects are critical to grassroots development across the country.
