The House of Representatives on Wednesday rejected a proposal to invite President Bola Tinubu to explain the alleged suspension of funding for zonal intervention, popularly known as constituency projects, during a rowdy plenary over delays in the implementation of the 2026 budget.
The drama followed the consideration of a motion sponsored by the member representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency of Abia State, Alex Ikwechegh, on the poor funding of appropriated budgets and delayed release of capital funds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Earlier, the member representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency of Delta State, Benedict Etanabene, raised a constitutional point of order, informing the House that he had seen a circular from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation announcing the suspension of funding for zonal intervention projects pending fresh verification requirements.
Etanabene urged the House to exercise its constitutional oversight powers by inviting President Tinubu and members of his economic team to explain the reported suspension.
“I wish, Mr Speaker, that the Constitution be tested. I want to urge this House to agree that we summon Mr President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria together with his financial team to please come to this House… to brief Nigerians exactly what is happening because the stories are not complimentary at all,” he said.
