The House of Representatives was on Wednesday thrown into commotion as lawmakers divide over motion to summon President Bola Tinubu before the chamber.
Argument broke out among the lawmakers during the plenary session at the green chamber following the motion raised by Alex Mascot.
As captured in a video shared on X, Mascot, the lawmaker representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency in Abia State, reportedly moved a motion demanding that Tinubu be summoned to the House to explain the persistent lack of funding for constituency projects.
He decried the rate of insecurity in the state while questioning Tinubu’s investment or new road constructions at the expense of other projects.
“Our people are kidnapped every day.
“We want to invite the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to come and explain to us why we are spending trillions of Naira doing coastal roads. Yet, Nigerians are dying.” He said.
The motion was seconded, with another lawmaker, Amobi Godwin, proposing an amendment that the House should shut down for one week until the matter is fully resolved.
The proposal triggered sharp divisions as lawmakers from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) objected the amendment.
While commenting to the motion, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi strongly opposed summoning the president, arguing that it was unnecessary since heads of relevant agencies are responsible for the implementation and funding of such projects.
He also rejected the idea of closing the House for a week, describing it as unwarranted.
“I’m totally in support of the motion moved by brother. But I reserve the right to make amendment and express my opinion as a parliament on areas I feel should not be handled the way he prayed for.
“Democracy and peaceful federalism have a constitutional procedure.
“And holding government to account for taxpayers’ money equally has a modus operandi of doing that.
“Nigeria operates federalism with different departments and agencies of government. It is only ideal for parliament to invite people delegated with responsibility.” He said before being interrupted by the minority caucus.
Gyandi’s counter-amendment faced stiff resistance from opposition members, leading to rowdy scenes as lawmakers shouted and traded arguments.
In an attempt to restore order, Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, ruled that members should vote to take a clear stand on the matter.