House Rejects Move to Summon Tinubu Over Budget Delays, Calls for Tougher Action Against Ransom Economy
Abuja, Nigeria ,. The House of Representatives witnessed a heated session after Speaker Tajudeen Abbas ruled out an attempt by some lawmakers to summon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over delays in the implementation of constituency projects under the national budget. The controversy began when lawmakers raised concerns over a circular issued by the Accountant-General of the Federation directing Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to suspend payments for constituency and zonal intervention projects pending further vetting by the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs. Some members argued that the directive had worsened delays in the implementation of the 2025 budget, with complaints that Nigeria is simultaneously implementing aspects of the 2024, 2025 and 2026 budgets. Bid to Summon President Rejected Lawmakers, led by Alex Ikwechegh (LP, Abia), called for President Tinubu to appear before the House to explain the slow pace of budget implementatio...