Reps reject call to summon Tinubu over constituency projects funding

The House of Representatives on Wednesday rejected a proposal to summon President Bola Tinubu to explain the alleged suspension of funding for constituency projects. The debate occurred during a rowdy plenary session focused on delays in the implementation of the 2026 budget and the poor release of capital funds to government agencies.

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I wish, Mr Speaker, that the Constitution be tested. 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 please come to this House… to brief Nigerians exactly what is happening because the stories are not complimentary at all.

The controversy began when a member, Benedict Etanabene, cited a circular from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation indicating the suspension of funding for zonal intervention projects pending fresh verification. Etanabene urged the House to use its oversight powers to invite the President and his economic team to clarify the situation, stating, "We cannot explain to the constituents what is happening... Presently, in Nigeria today, we are implementing 2024, 2025 and 2026 budgets running concurrently. This is not in the best interest of everybody."

The proposal to summon the President sparked heated exchanges among lawmakers. The substantive motion, moved by Alex Ikwechegh, emphasized that the credibility of the appropriation process hinges on the timely release and utilization of budgeted funds. Ikwechegh noted that ministers had reported little to no capital releases for many agencies in the 2025 fiscal year during budget defense sessions.

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We cannot explain to the constituents what is happening… Presently, in Nigeria today, we are implementing 2024, 2025 and 2026 budgets running concurrently. This is not in the best interest of everybody.

Ikwechegh also recalled President Tinubu's directive to settle verified contractor liabilities amounting to approximately N1.5 trillion and establish an inter-ministerial committee for harmonization. Despite this directive, fund releases to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have remained slow, stalling projects and exacerbating financial difficulties for contractors.

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The powers of appropriation in the National Assembly, and the credibility of the budget rests not only on the size of the figures appropriated, but on the fidelity and timeliness with which appropriation funds are released, cash-backed and utilised for ministries, departments and agencies.