Chaos Erupts as Reps Move to Summon President Tinubu Amidst Rowdy Session
The Nigerian House of Representatives was engulfed in a rowdy session as lawmakers debated a motion to summon President Bola Tinubu over delayed funding for constituency projects. The motion, moved by Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, faced strong opposition, leading to a heated exchange and the Speaker's intervention. Ultimately, the proposal to invite the President was ruled out of order.
A contentious session unfolded in the House of Representatives on Wednesday as lawmakers engaged in a heated debate over a motion to summon President Bola Tinubu. The motion, initiated by Alex Mascot Ikwechegh of the Labour Party from Abia State, sought to compel the President to address the alleged consistent delays in the funding of constituency projects across the nation. The proposal quickly gained traction, being seconded by another member. An additional amendment was then put forward, suggesting a one-week suspension of plenary until the critical funding issue was adequately resolved.
These twin proposals immediately ignited a fiery debate on the floor of the House. Yusuf Gagdi, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker representing Plateau State, vehemently opposed the motion to summon the President. Gagdi argued that such a summons was baseless, contending that the responsibility for the implementation and funding of constituency projects primarily rests with the relevant ministries, departments, and agencies of government, not directly with the President. Furthermore, he rejected the proposition to suspend legislative activities, deeming it an unnecessary disruption.
Gagdi's stance met with strong resistance from several other lawmakers, leading to a breakdown of order characterized by shouting matches and general disorder within the chamber. As the tensions escalated and the session grew increasingly rowdy, the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, was forced to intervene. To resolve the impasse and determine the House's official position, the Speaker directed that the matter be put to a vote among the members.
Following the vote and deliberation, Speaker Abbas made a crucial ruling. He declared the proposal to invite President Tinubu out of order. The Speaker clarified his decision by stating that the summoning of the President did not constitute a part of the original motion that had been moved by Representative Mascot Ikwechegh. This ruling effectively brought an end to the immediate possibility of a presidential summons regarding the constituency project funding.