The House of Representatives was on Wednesday engulfed in a rowdy session after lawmakers clashed over a motion seeking to invite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to explain the alleged non-funding of constituency projects across the country.
The controversy began when Alex Mascot Ikwechegh (Labour Party, Abia State) moved a motion expressing concern over the persistent delay in funding constituency projects. During the debate, a proposal was introduced urging the President to appear before the House to explain the situation.
The motion was duly seconded, while another lawmaker proposed an amendment seeking the suspension of plenary for one week until the funding issue was addressed.
The proposals immediately triggered heated exchanges among lawmakers, with members divided over whether the President should be summoned and whether legislative proceedings should be halted.
Leading the opposition, Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau State) argued that there was no constitutional basis for inviting the President over constituency projects.
According to him, the implementation and funding of such projects are the responsibilities of the relevant ministries, departments and agencies, not the President directly.
Gagdi also rejected the suggestion to suspend plenary for one week, describing the proposal as unnecessary and counterproductive.
His position sparked resistance from some lawmakers, leading to shouting matches and disorder on the floor as members exchanged arguments across the chamber.
As tensions mounted, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas stepped in to restore order and directed that the House vote on the matter.
However, Abbas ruled that the proposal seeking to summon President Tinubu was out of order, explaining that it was not contained in the original motion moved by Ikwechegh and therefore could not be entertained as part of the proceedings.
The Speaker’s ruling brought the contentious debate to a close, allowing the House to proceed with other legislative business.
