The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has said the Green Chamber does not need President Bola Tinubu to appear before lawmakers over concerns surrounding the implementation of the national budget.
Agbese made the remark while addressing journalists in Abuja amid the controversy that followed a recent House session where some lawmakers pushed for the President to be invited to explain issues relating to budget execution, particularly constituency projects.
The lawmaker, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State under the Labour Party, maintained that officials directly responsible for implementing the budget should be held accountable instead of the President.
According to him, ministers, heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as officials of the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, are in the best position to provide explanations on how approved funds are being spent and why certain projects may be experiencing delays.
“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 questions members are asking because they are directly involved in budget implementation,” Agbese said.
His comments come days after a heated debate erupted on the floor of the House during plenary. The disagreement followed a motion moved by Abia lawmaker, Hon. Mascot Ikwechegh, who sought to have President Tinubu invited to address lawmakers on concerns surrounding the execution of the national budget.
The proposal sparked sharp divisions among members, with some lawmakers supporting the invitation while others opposed it.
During the session, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen ruled against part of the motion, stating that the prayer seeking the President’s appearance was not contained in the original document submitted before plenary.
“It is a complete deviation from the copy you gave me,” the Speaker said while addressing the lawmaker.
Reacting to the development, Agbese defended the Speaker’s handling of the proceedings, describing his conduct as responsible and in line with parliamentary rules.
He said Abbas demonstrated leadership, impartiality and a strong commitment to protecting the integrity of the House despite the tense atmosphere that characterized the debate.
“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 stated.
Agbese further stressed that the National Assembly already possesses constitutional powers to investigate public expenditure and monitor the implementation of approved budgets.
He said lawmakers would continue to exercise their oversight responsibilities by engaging relevant government officials and agencies tasked with implementing projects captured in the budget.
The lawmaker urged Nigerians not to interpret the House’s oversight activities through a political lens, insisting that members remain focused on ensuring accountability in the management of public funds.
According to him, lawmakers are determined to ensure that funds appropriated for constituency projects and other government programmes are properly utilized for the benefit of citizens.
Agbese also dismissed suggestions that the House should suspend its planned National Assembly Open Week programme scheduled to begin on July 14.
He said the initiative has become an important platform for strengthening public engagement and improving understanding of legislative activities.
The lawmaker noted that members would actively participate in the programme despite ongoing debates surrounding budget implementation and oversight issues.
“Though things are critical but members will never abdicate their primary responsibility of law making for any other thing or whatever grouse they may have.
“NASS open week has come to stay. It has helped to showcase our activities to major stakeholders across the globe including cooperation from other parliamentary institutions and partners,” he said.