The House of Representatives erupted in a rowdy session on Wednesday with lawmakers clashing over a motion to summon President Bola Tinubu to explain delays in the implementation of the 2025 Appropriation Act. Act.
Rep Benedict Etanabene of Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency of Delta State, who raised a point of privilege over a circular issued by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi provoked the plenary.
The lawmaker recalled that the June 29 directive, which instructed all federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to immediately halt the processing of payments for constituency and Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs) unless such projects had been formally vetted by the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs.
He said the order could significantly delay the implementation of projects already captured in the 2025 budget and frustrate lawmakers’ efforts to deliver constituency projects to their constituents.
According to the lawmaker, the circular added bureaucratic hurdle not contemplated in the Appropriation Act and warned that it could further delay the implementation of the Appropriation Act.
He therefore told the House to invite Tinubu to explain the slow pace of budget implementation and the rationale behind the directive, saying the executive owed Nigerians and the National Assembly an explanation.
Etanabene’s request, however, elicited sharp reactions as some lawmakers opposed the proposal to summon the President, while others supported the move.
This caused a rowdy session as heated exchanges followed.
This disrupted plenary as the lawmakers shouted across the chamber over the propriety of inviting the President to appear before the House on the matter.
The June 29 circular by the Accountant-General directed all MDAs to suspend payment processing for constituency and zonal intervention projects until they receive clearance from the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, a move aimed at strengthening oversight of the projects.
However, critics said the order may stop the release of funds and affect the timely execution of projects approved in the 2025 budget.
