The House of Representatives descended into a heated and chaotic session on Wednesday after lawmakers clashed over a motion highlighting poor budget implementation and persistent delays in the release of funds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The disagreement, which centred on a proposal asking President Bola Tinubu to address the House on the challenges affecting budget execution and fund disbursement, triggered sharp exchanges among members and stalled proceedings for about 30 minutes.
The motion was sponsored by the member representing Abia State, Hon. Mascot Ikwechegh, who raised concerns over the slow pace of budget implementation and the effect of delayed funding on government operations.
One of the key prayers contained in the motion urged President Tinubu to appear before the House to explain the issues surrounding budget implementation and the release of funds to MDAs.
The proposal, however, sharply divided lawmakers. Members opposed to the motion repeatedly shouted “sit down” at colleagues who spoke in support of it, resulting in a rowdy atmosphere inside the chamber.
The heated exchanges disrupted proceedings and prolonged the debate for about 30 minutes before the matter was brought to a close.
At the end of the deliberations, Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, overruled the motion.
Abbas explained that the prayers presented on the floor were different from those contained in the original document submitted by the sponsor, describing the changes as a deviation from the version that had been approved.
