Reps don’t need Tinubu’s presence to resolve budget issues — Agbese

Deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Rep. Philip Agbese, on Sunday said the House does not require the presence of President Bola Tinubu to resolve issues relating to the implementation and oversight of the national budget.

Rep. Agbese, who stated this in Abuja during a Media chat with select Parliamentary Correspondents, expressed optimism that the Ministers, Heads of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) are accountable to the Parliament on matters bothering on budget implementation and expenditure.

Rep. Agbese spoke against the backdrop of last Wednesday’s rowdy session witnessed on the floor of the House of Representatives over a motion on poor funding of Zonal Intervention Projects/Constituency Projects, during which he urged the House to invite President Bola Tinubu to appear before the House to explain issues surrounding the poor implementation of the Appropriation Act, sponsored by Hon. Mascot Ikwechegh who had raised a motion that the House summons the President to explain issues surrounding budget implementation.

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Recall that Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the session, in a swift reaction to Hon. Ikwechegh, alleged that there was nowhere in the motion submitted that related to the invitation of Mr. President.

Aligning with the Speaker’s position, Rep. Agbese maintained that 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,” Rep. Agbese said.

He also commended Speaker Tajudeen for what he described as exemplary leadership and maturity in managing the House proceedings during Wednesday’s session.

Rep. 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 therefore 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.

Rep. 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 Tajudeen has come to stay.

He reiterates that members will fully participate in the programme without any hesitation.

“Though things are critical, members will never abdicate their primary responsibility of lawmaking 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,” Agbese said.