House of Representatives Thrown Into Rowdy Session Over Motion to Summon President Tinubu
The House of Representatives was thrown into chaos on Wednesday as lawmakers clashed violently over a motion demanding that President Bola Tinubu be summoned to explain the alleged non-funding of constituency projects across the country.
The heated debate, which nearly descended into physical confrontation, exposed deep divisions within the chamber as opposition and ruling party members traded fierce arguments over the controversial proposal.
Motion to Summon President Sparks Heated Debate
Hon. Alex Mascot, member representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency in Abia State, moved the motion demanding that President Tinubu appear before the House to address the persistent lack of funding for constituency projects nationwide. The motion was promptly seconded, with another lawmaker proposing an amendment that the House should shut down for one week until the matter is fully resolved.
The proposal immediately triggered sharp divisions among lawmakers. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi strongly opposed the motion, arguing that summoning the President was unnecessary since heads of relevant agencies are responsible for the implementation and funding of such projects. He also rejected the idea of closing the House for a week, describing it as unwarranted and detrimental to legislative duties.
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Gagdi’s counter-amendment faced stiff resistance from opposition members, leading to rowdy scenes as lawmakers shouted and traded arguments across the floor. The atmosphere became increasingly tense as supporters and opponents of the motion engaged in verbal confrontations, forcing Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to intervene.
Speaker Abbas Restores Order with Voting Decision
In an attempt to restore order, Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, ruled that members should vote to take a clear stand on the matter. The Speaker’s intervention came after several minutes of heated exchanges that threatened to derail proceedings entirely.
The Speaker’s decision to call for a vote was seen as a strategic move to resolve the impasse democratically, allowing lawmakers to express their positions formally rather than through chaotic floor arguments. However, the outcome of the vote and whether the motion to summon the President will proceed remains unclear as the chamber continues to debate the issue.
Legislative Tensions Reflect Broader Political Divisions
The rowdy session underscores the growing tension between the executive and legislative arms of government over the implementation of constituency projects. Lawmakers have repeatedly raised concerns about the alleged non-release of funds for projects meant to benefit their constituents, with some accusing the executive of undermining their oversight functions.
This incident is the latest in a series of confrontations between the National Assembly and the presidency, as lawmakers increasingly flex their oversight muscles in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. As reported by Ejes Gist News, the divisions within the House reflect broader political fault lines that could shape legislative-executive relations in the coming months.
What Happens Next
With the Speaker’s decision to hold a vote, the fate of the motion now rests with the majority of lawmakers. If the motion passes, President Tinubu would be summoned to appear before the House to answer questions on constituency project funding. However, the President could also choose to send a representative or decline the invitation, setting the stage for a potential constitutional showdown.
As the House adjourns for the day, political observers are watching closely to see how this dramatic confrontation will unfold. The issue of constituency project funding has long been a contentious topic in Nigeria’s political landscape, and Wednesday’s rowdy session suggests that tensions are far from resolved.
