House doesn’t need Tinubu’s presence to resolve budget issues — Reps deputy spokesperson

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has said the House does not require the presence of President Bola Tinubu to resolve issues relating to the implementation and oversight of the national budget.

Agbese made the remarks while speaking with a select group of journalists in Abuja on Sunday.

His comments followed last Wednesday’s rowdy plenary session in the House of Representatives over a motion seeking to invite President Tinubu to appear before lawmakers to explain issues surrounding the implementation of the national budget, particularly constituency projects.

The controversy arose after the member representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency of Abia State, Hon. Mascot Ikwechegh, moved a motion calling on the House to summon the President over the alleged poor implementation of the budget.

The motion divided lawmakers, with some supporting the proposal while others opposed it.

Presiding over the session, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, ruled that Ikwechegh had deviated from the original version of the motion submitted before plenary by introducing a prayer that was not contained in the approved document.

“It is a complete deviation from the copy you gave me,” Abbas had said.

Reacting to the development, Agbese argued that responsibility for budget implementation rests with ministers, heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, stressing that they are the appropriate officials to account for the implementation of the budget.

He noted that the National Assembly has constitutional powers to scrutinise government expenditure and hold officials responsible for budget implementation accountable.

“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 the questions members are asking because they are directly involved in budget implementation,” Agbese said.

He also commended Speaker Abbas for what he described as exemplary leadership and maturity in handling the proceedings during Wednesday’s session.

According to him, the Speaker demonstrated fairness, calmness and a strong commitment to upholding parliamentary rules.

“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 said.

Agbese urged Nigerians not to politicise the House’s oversight functions, insisting that lawmakers remain committed to ensuring prudent management of public resources and effective implementation of projects captured in the national budget.

He said the House would continue to engage relevant government officials to obtain necessary clarifications and ensure that funds approved for constituency and other public projects are properly utilised.

The lawmaker also dismissed calls for the cancellation of the National Assembly Open Week scheduled to begin on July 14, insisting that the annual legislative engagement initiated by the 10th House under the leadership of Speaker Abbas has come to stay.

He assured that members would participate fully in the programme.

“Though things are critical, members will never abdicate their primary responsibility of lawmaking 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 with other parliamentary institutions and partners,” he said.