Proceedings in the House of Representatives on Wednesday descended into a heated confrontation after lawmakers disagreed over a motion seeking to invite President Bola Tinubu to explain the alleged non-funding of constituency projects.
The motion, sponsored by Alex Mascot Ikwechegh (LP – Abia State), urged the President to appear before the House to address what he described as the continued delay in the release of funds for constituency projects nationwide.
After the motion was seconded, another legislator proposed an amendment calling for the suspension of plenary for one week until the issue of funding was resolved. The proposal immediately triggered intense debate among members, leading to a tense atmosphere in the chamber.
Yusuf Gagdi (APC – Plateau State) opposed the motion, arguing that there was no justification for summoning the President because the execution and funding of constituency projects are the responsibility of the relevant ministries, departments and agencies.
He also rejected the proposal to suspend legislative activities for one week, describing it as unnecessary.
Gagdi’s stance was met with resistance from several lawmakers, sparking shouting matches and disorder on the floor of the House as members exchanged arguments over the proposals.
With tensions rising, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas stepped in to restore order and directed lawmakers to vote on the matter in order to determine the position of the House.
The Speaker, however, ruled the proposal to invite the President out of order, stating that it did not form part of the original motion moved by Mascot.
