By Ibrahim Idris, in Abuja
It was a rowdy session at the House of Representatives on Wednesday afternoon, following a shouting match that erupted during a debate on whether President Bola Tinubu should appear before the lower chamber, to explain why the government suspended funding for constituency projects all over the country.
The Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, had in a recent circular to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, directed all financial officers responsible for uploading due payments on constituency projects to stay further actions, until all projects were verified and cleared by the ministry of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs.
But, the House appeared not impressed by this latest development and decided to go to the root of the matter by directly engaging the President.
It all began when Hon Alex Mascot, member representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency in Abia State, moved a motion demanding that President Bola Tinubu be summoned to the House to explain the persistent lack of funding for constituency projects.
“Come and explain to us why we are spending trillions of naira drilling roads, doing constant roads, yet Nigerians are dying.”
The motion was seconded, with lawmakers proposing an amendment that the House should shut down for one week until the matter is fully resolved.
The proposal triggered sharp divisions. Yusuf Gagdi strongly opposed the motion, arguing that summoning the President was unnecessary since heads of relevant agencies are responsible for the implementation and funding of such projects.
He also rejected the idea of closing the House for a week, describing it as unwarranted.
Gagdi’s counter-amendment faced stiff resistance from opposition members, leading to rowdy scenes as lawmakers shouted and traded arguments.
In an attempt to restore order, the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, ruled that members should vote to take a clear stand on the matter.
