The deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has said the National Assembly does not need to summon President Bola Tinubu over concerns surrounding the implementation of the 2025 Appropriation Act.
Agbese made the remarks on Sunday while speaking with journalists in Abuja, following last week’s heated plenary session in the House, where lawmakers clashed over a motion seeking to invite the president to explain the alleged poor execution of the 2025 budget.
The debate came amid growing concerns over delays in budget implementation. Since 2025, local contractors under the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) have staged protests over unpaid debts for completed federal government projects. Lawmakers have also expressed frustration that the slow release of funds is delaying constituency projects across the country.
Agbese maintained that the responsibility for implementing the budget lies with the relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), as well as the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, not the president.
“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 lawmakers’ questions because they are directly involved in budget implementation,” he said.
The Benue lawmaker also praised Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for his handling of the tense plenary, saying he demonstrated leadership and maturity in managing proceedings during the rowdy session.
Agbese urged Nigerians not to politicise the National Assembly’s oversight responsibilities, stressing that lawmakers remain committed to ensuring prudent management of public funds and the effective execution of projects approved in the national budget.
The comments come as pressure continues to mount on the Federal Government to improve budget execution and settle outstanding payments owed to contractors.
