The House of Representatives has rejected a proposal to invite President Bola Tinubu to explain the reported suspension of funding for constituency projects, following a heated debate during Wednesday’s plenary.
The controversy arose while lawmakers considered a motion on delays in the implementation of the 2026 budget and the slow release of capital funds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The proposal was raised by Benedict Etanabene, who represents Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency in Delta State. He cited a circular from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation announcing the suspension of funding for zonal intervention projects pending fresh verification.
Etanabene urged the House to summon President Tinubu and members of his economic team to explain the development.
“I want to urge this House to agree that we summon Mr President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria together with his financial team… to brief Nigerians exactly what is happening,” he said.
He also expressed concern that Nigeria was currently implementing the 2024, 2025 and 2026 budgets simultaneously, describing the situation as unhealthy.
The suggestion sparked a rowdy session, with lawmakers divided over whether the President should be invited.
However, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas ruled the proposal out of order, explaining that it was not part of the substantive motion before the House and did not align with parliamentary procedure.
The House instead adopted the main motion sponsored by Alex Ikwechegh, urging the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget Office, Office of the Accountant-General and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to speed up the release of appropriated funds.
Lawmakers also called for a clear timetable for funding the 2026 budget, the prompt payment of verified contractor debts and a review of the Treasury circular that introduced additional verification requirements for constituency projects.
To strengthen oversight, the Speaker constituted a 12-member ad hoc committee, chaired by Abubakar Bichi, to engage relevant government agencies and report back to the House within four weeks.
