Reps Spokesperson Says Tinubu Need Not Appear Before National Assembly

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has said the lower chamber does not require President Bola Tinubu to appear before lawmakers to answer questions on the implementation of the national budget.

Agbese said responsibility for budget execution lies with ministers and relevant government officials, not the president directly, in a statement issued Sunday responding to a heated plenary session last Wednesday during which lawmakers clashed over a motion to invite Tinubu to explain delays in constituency project funding.

The controversy began when a lawmaker representing Aba North and Aba South in Abia State moved a motion calling on the House to summon the president over what he described as persistent poor budget implementation, despite trillions of naira approved by the National Assembly.

The motion triggered a rowdy session, with several lawmakers shouting down their colleague and Speaker Abbas Tajudeen moving to restore order. Video of the confrontation circulated widely online, drawing criticism from Nigerians who accused the House of shielding the presidency from accountability.

Agbese urged Nigerians not to politicise the House’s oversight responsibilities, saying lawmakers remain committed to ensuring accountability in the management of public funds. He also dismissed calls to cancel the National Assembly Open Week scheduled to begin July 14, describing it as a vital transparency initiative that would proceed as planned.

The dispute reflects growing tension between the executive and legislature over the pace of budget implementation, an issue that has repeatedly surfaced in plenary sessions this year as contractors and constituents press lawmakers for faster delivery of approved projects.