Nigerian House of Reps won't summon President over budget implementation

Nigeria's House of Representatives does not require President Bola Tinubu to appear before lawmakers to address the implementation of the national budget, according to Deputy Spokesperson Philip Agbese. He asserted that the responsibility for budget execution lies with ministers and relevant government officials, who should be the ones held accountable.

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The House does not need the 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.

Agbese's comments came in response to a contentious plenary session last Wednesday. During the session, lawmakers debated a motion to invite the President to explain perceived delays and challenges in implementing the 2025 budget, particularly concerning constituency projects. The proposal, moved by Mascot Ikwechegh, sparked division within the chamber.

Ultimately, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen intervened, ruling that Mr. Ikwechegh had deviated from his original motion. The Speaker declined to entertain the new prayer seeking the President's appearance, stating it was a deviation from the submitted copy. Agbese supported the Speaker's decision, emphasizing that executive agencies responsible for public expenditure, including ministers and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, are the appropriate bodies to respond to parliamentary inquiries.

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It is a complete deviation from the copy you gave me.

Agbese commended Speaker Abbas for his conduct during the heated session, describing it as calm, fair, and grounded in House Rules. He highlighted the Speaker's leadership in ensuring parliamentary procedures were respected despite the charged atmosphere.

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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.