The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has said there is no need for President Bola Tinubu to appear before lawmakers to explain concerns surrounding the implementation of the 2025 Appropriation Act.
According to Agbese, accountability for budget execution lies with the relevant ministers, heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, who are directly responsible for implementing government spending.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, the lawmaker stressed that the House would continue to exercise its constitutional oversight functions by engaging the appropriate officials rather than summoning the President.
His comments followed Wednesday’s heated plenary at the House of Representatives, where lawmakers clashed over a motion seeking to invite President Tinubu to explain the alleged poor implementation of the 2025 budget, particularly constituency projects.
The controversy erupted after the member representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency of Abia State, Mascot Ikwechegh, introduced a motion that included a prayer asking the House to summon the President.
However, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen rejected the request, ruling that Ikwechegh had deviated from the approved version of the motion by inserting an additional prayer that was not originally submitted.
Reacting to the incident, Agbese maintained that the House’s inquiries should be directed at officials responsible for executing the budget rather than the President.
“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 said.
Also Read: APC Volunteer supports Shettima’s reaffirmation, celebrates successful rescue of abducted school kids
He explained that while the National Assembly has constitutional powers to oversee government spending and demand accountability, those charged with implementing budget provisions are the ones expected to account for their performance before lawmakers.
Agbese Commends Speaker Abbas
The Benue lawmaker also praised Speaker Abbas Tajudeen for the manner in which he handled the contentious debate.
According to him, the Speaker demonstrated fairness, restraint and respect for parliamentary procedures throughout the proceedings.
“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,” Agbese stated.
He urged Nigerians not to politicise the House’s oversight responsibilities, insisting that lawmakers remain committed to ensuring transparency, accountability and the proper utilisation of funds appropriated for constituency projects and other public programmes.
Agbese added that the House would continue to summon ministers, heads of MDAs and other relevant government officials whenever necessary to ensure effective implementation of the national budget.