Proceedings in the House of Representatives descended into a heated session on Wednesday after lawmakers clashed over a motion seeking to summon President Bola Tinubu to explain delays in the implementation of the 2025 Appropriation Act.
The disagreement erupted during plenary when the member representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency of Delta State, Benedict Etanabene, raised a point of privilege over a circular issued by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi.
Etanabene drew the attention of the House to the June 29 directive, which instructed all federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to immediately halt the processing of payments for constituency and Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs) unless such projects had been formally vetted by the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs.
According to the lawmaker, the directive could significantly slow down the implementation of projects already captured in the 2025 budget and frustrate lawmakers’ efforts to deliver constituency projects to their constituents.
He argued that the circular amounted to an additional bureaucratic hurdle not contemplated in the Appropriation Act and warned that it could further delay the execution of the budget.
Etanabene therefore urged the House to invite President Bola Tinubu to explain the slow pace of budget implementation and the rationale behind the directive, insisting that the executive owed Nigerians and the National Assembly an explanation.
His request, however, sparked sharp reactions on the floor, with some lawmakers opposing the proposal to summon the President, while others supported the move, leading to a rowdy session.
The heated exchanges briefly disrupted proceedings as members shouted across the chamber over the propriety of inviting the President to appear before the House on the matter.
The June 29 circular by the Accountant-General directed all MDAs to suspend payment processing for constituency and zonal intervention projects until they receive clearance from the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, a move aimed at strengthening oversight of the projects.
However, critics argue that the directive could stall the release of funds and affect the timely execution of projects approved in the 2025 budget.
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