Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has clarified that the House does not require President Bola Tinubu to personally address questions regarding the 2025 budget. Agbese emphasized that oversight duties concerning budgetary execution belong to government ministers, agency heads, and the Accountant-General of the Federation.
This statement follows a tense plenary session last Wednesday, prompted by a motion from Hon. Mascot Ikwechegh of Abia State, who had requested that the President appear to discuss the slow pace of project implementation. Speaker Abbas Tajudeen ultimately ruled the motion out of order, noting that the request to summon the President was not part of the formally submitted text.
Agbese reinforced that the National Assembly maintains full constitutional authority to demand accountability from those directly handling government finances. He commended Speaker Tajudeen for his calm and fair leadership during the legislative disagreement, urging the public to avoid viewing oversight activities through a political lens.
Furthermore, Agbese confirmed that the National Assembly Open Week, set for July 14, will proceed as planned. He stressed that while budget concerns remain a priority, lawmakers are committed to their legislative duties and the promotion of transparency via the Open Week initiative.
