….says NASS have constitutional powers to scrutinise government expenditure, ensure accountability
By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja
The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Rep. Philip Agbese, has said the House does not require the presence of President Bola Tinubu to address concerns over the implementation of the 2025 national budget, insisting that the responsibility lies with ministers, heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.
Agbese stated this on Sunday while speaking with journalists in Abuja, following last Wednesday’s rowdy plenary session triggered by a motion seeking to invite President Tinubu to appear before the House over the poor implementation of the 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 to explain the alleged poor implementation of the budget.
The motion sharply divided lawmakers, with some backing the proposal while others opposed it.
Presiding over the session, Speaker of the House, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, 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 text.
“It is a complete deviation from the copy you gave me,” the Speaker ruled.
Reacting to the development, Agbese maintained that the constitutional responsibility for implementing the budget rests with the executive agencies charged with executing appropriated funds, not the President directly.
“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,” he said.
He noted that the National Assembly possesses constitutional oversight powers to scrutinise government expenditure and ensure accountability, stressing that the officials responsible for implementing budgetary provisions are expected to account for their stewardship before lawmakers.
Agbese also praised Speaker Abbas Tajudeen for what he described as exemplary leadership during the heated debate, saying the Speaker demonstrated fairness, maturity and strict adherence to 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.
He urged Nigerians not to politicise the House’s oversight responsibilities, stressing that lawmakers remain committed to ensuring prudent management of public resources and effective implementation of projects captured in the national budget.
According to him, the House will continue to engage the relevant ministers, heads of MDAs and other government officials to obtain necessary clarifications and ensure that funds appropriated for constituency and other public projects are properly utilised.
Agbese also dismissed calls for the cancellation of the National Assembly Open Week scheduled to commence on July 14, describing the annual event as a flagship initiative of the 10th House under Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
He said members would participate fully in the programme despite the ongoing debates over budget implementation.
“Though things are critical, members will never abdicate their primary responsibility of lawmaking for any other thing or whatever grouse they may have,” he said.
“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,” Agbese added.
