Reps Chamber Boils Over Motion Seeking Tinubu's Appearance on Constituency Funds

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

The House of Representatives was thrown into a rowdy session on Tuesday as lawmakers engaged in a heated debate over a motion seeking to summon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to explain the alleged non-funding of constituency projects across the country.

The motion was moved by Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency of Abia State. He expressed concern over what he described as the persistent failure to release funds for constituency projects, urging the House to invite the President to provide explanations.

The motion received support from another lawmaker, who seconded it and proposed an amendment that the House should suspend plenary activities for one week until the funding issue is adequately addressed.

However, the proposal met strong opposition from Yusuf Gagdi, who argued that it was unnecessary to summon the President over the matter. According to him, the responsibility for implementing and funding constituency projects lies with the relevant government ministries, departments, and agencies, not directly with the President.

Gagdi also rejected the suggestion that the House should shut down for one week, describing such a move as unjustified and counterproductive.

His position sparked fierce resistance from opposition lawmakers, who insisted that the House must hold the executive accountable for the delays in funding constituency projects.

The disagreement quickly escalated into a rowdy session, with lawmakers shouting across the chamber and exchanging arguments, forcing proceedings into temporary disorder.

As tensions rose, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas intervened to restore calm. He directed members to settle the matter through a vote, allowing the House to take a formal position on the motion.

The outcome of the vote was not immediately announced at the time of filing this report.