The House of Representatives descended into a heated session on Wednesday as lawmakers clashed over a motion seeking to invite President Bola Tinubu to explain the alleged delay in funding constituency projects across the country.
The motion was sponsored by Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency of Abia State under the Labour Party (LP).
During the debate, Ikwechegh called for the President to appear before the House to address concerns over the continued non-funding of constituency projects.
The motion received support from another lawmaker who seconded it, while an additional amendment was proposed urging the House to suspend plenary for one week until the funding issue was resolved.
The proposals immediately generated intense debate among members, leading to a tense atmosphere inside the chamber.
Yusuf Gagdi, representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), opposed the motion.
Gagdi argued that there was no justification for inviting the President, maintaining that the execution and funding of constituency projects are the responsibility of the relevant ministries, departments and agencies rather than the President directly.
He also rejected the proposal to suspend legislative proceedings for one week, describing the suggestion as unnecessary.
His position was challenged by several lawmakers, resulting in shouting matches and disorder on the floor of the House.
As the situation became increasingly tense, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas intervened to restore order and directed that members vote to determine the House’s position on the matter.
However, the Speaker ruled that the proposal to invite President Tinubu was out of order, explaining that it was not part of the original motion presented by Ikwechegh.
