Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has said the Green Chamber does not require the presence of President Bola Tinubu to resolve issues relating to the implementation and oversight of the national budget.
The Labour Party(LP) Benue lawmaker, stated this while speaking with a select group of journalists in Abuja yesterday.
Agbese spoke against the backdrop of last Wednesday’s rowdy session witnessed on the floor of the House over a motion seeking to invite the President to appear before the parliament to explain issues surrounding the poor implementation of the national budget especially as it concerns constituency projects.
The rowdy session followed a motion by an Abia lawmaker, Hon. Mascot Ikwechegh who had raised a motion that the House summoned the President to explain issues surrounding budget implementation.
The motion divided the House, with some lawmakers supporting it and others protesting against it.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, who presided the session pointed out that the lawmaker departed from the original version of the motion submitted before the start of plenary to raise a prayer that was not contained in his motion.
“It is a complete deviation from the copy you gave me,” the speaker said.
Agbese while speaking on the matter argued that budget implementation and expenditure fall within the responsibilities of ministers, heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), as well as the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, noting that they are in a better position to provide the required explanations.
According to him, the National Assembly has constitutional oversight powers to scrutinise government spending, and the officials directly responsible for implementing budgetary provisions are expected to account for their stewardship before lawmakers.
“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.
He also commended Speaker Abbas for what he described as exemplary leadership and maturity in managing the House proceedings during Wednesday’s session.
Agbese said the speaker demonstrated maturity, fairness and a commitment to parliamentary rules while managing deliberations on budget-related matters.
“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 functions, insisting that lawmakers were 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 relevant government officials to obtain necessary clarifications and ensure that funds approved for constituency projects and other projects are fully funded.
Agbese also dismissed the call for cancellation of the NASS Open Week scheduled for July 14 by the House, insisting the flagship annual legislative event by the 10th House under the leadership of Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has come to stay.
He reiterates that members will fully participate in the programme without any hesitation.
“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.
