Nigerian House of Reps: Tinubu Not Needed for Budget Implementation Explanation, Says Deputy Spokesperson

The Nigerian House of Representatives does not require President Bola Tinubu to personally explain the implementation of the national budget, stated Deputy Spokesperson Rep. Philip Agbese. He emphasized that the responsibility for budget execution lies with the relevant ministers, heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

Agbese made these remarks on Sunday in Abuja, following a contentious plenary session. The session was triggered by a motion to summon President Tinubu over alleged poor implementation of the budget, particularly concerning constituency projects. The motion, moved by Hon. Mascot Ikwechegh, sharply divided lawmakers, with some supporting the invitation and others opposing it.

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The House does not need Mr. President to appear before it to resolve budget-related issues. The relevant ministers and the Office of the Accountant-General are the right people to answer the questions members are asking because they are directly involved in budget implementation.

Speaker of the House, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, intervened, ruling that Ikwechegh had deviated from the submitted motion by introducing a prayer not in the approved text. Agbese reiterated that the constitutional duty for implementing the budget rests with the executive agencies tasked with spending appropriated funds. "The House does not need Mr. President to appear before it to resolve budget-related issues. The relevant ministers and the Office of the Accountant-General are the right people to answer the questions members are asking because they are directly involved in budget implementation," he explained.

Agbese also commended Speaker Abbas Tajudeen for his leadership during the debate, describing his handling of the proceedings as calm, fair, and committed to the House's integrity. He urged Nigerians to avoid politicizing the oversight functions of the House, assuring that lawmakers remain dedicated to ensuring prudent management of public resources and effective project implementation as outlined in the national budget.

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Speaker Abbas showed rare leadership as the presiding officer. He handled the proceedings with calmness, fairness and a clear commitment to protecting the integrity of the House.