The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has said the House does not need President Bola Tinubu to appear before lawmakers to address concerns over the implementation and oversight of the national budget.
Agbese stated this on Sunday while speaking with journalists in Abuja, following the controversy that trailed a recent motion seeking to invite the President before the House over alleged challenges in budget implementation, particularly constituency projects.
The motion, which was moved by the lawmaker representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency of Abia State, Hon. Mascot Ikwechegh, sparked heated debate among lawmakers during plenary.
Ikwechegh had called on the House to summon President Tinubu to explain alleged poor implementation of the budget. However, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, ruled that the lawmaker had deviated from the original motion submitted for consideration.
“It is a complete deviation from the copy you gave me,” Abbas had told Ikwechegh during the session.
Reacting to the development, Agbese explained that ministers, heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, are the appropriate authorities responsible for answering questions concerning budget execution.
He stressed that the National Assembly has constitutional powers to monitor government spending and hold relevant officials accountable.
“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,” Agbese said.
The lawmaker also praised Speaker Abbas for his handling of the heated plenary session, describing his leadership as calm, fair and committed to parliamentary rules.
“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,” he said.
Agbese urged Nigerians not to politicise the oversight responsibilities of the legislature, saying lawmakers remain focused on ensuring proper management of public funds and effective execution of projects captured in the national budget.
He added that the House would continue to engage relevant government officials to obtain explanations and ensure that funds allocated for constituency and other public projects are properly utilised.
Meanwhile, the lawmaker dismissed calls for the cancellation of the National Assembly Open Week scheduled to commence on July 14, saying the programme, introduced by the 10th House under Speaker Abbas, would continue.
According to him, members of the House would participate fully in the annual legislative engagement despite ongoing challenges.
“NASS Open Week has come to stay. It has helped to showcase our activities to major stakeholders across the globe, including cooperation with other parliamentary institutions and partners,” Agbese said.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.