Reps doesn’t need Tinubu’s presence to resolve budget issues – Agbese

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has 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.

Agbese, who spoke against the backdrop of the rowdy session at Wednesday’s plenary over a motion to summon President Tinubu on the poor implementation of the national budget, said the relevant ministers have answers to the lawmakers’ queries.

The Deputy Spokesperson, while speaking with journalists in Abuja, argued that budget implementation and expenditure fall within the responsibilities of the heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

The lawmaker pointed out that the National Assembly has constitutional oversight powers to scrutinise government spending and that the officials directly responsible for implementing budgetary provisions are expected to account for their stewardship before lawmakers.

According to him, “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.”

Agbese commended the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, for his maturity in managing the House proceedings during Wednesday’s session. He noted that the Speaker demonstrated maturity, fairness, and a commitment to parliamentary rules in handling the issue.

“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.

Furthermore, the lawmaker dismissed the call for the cancellation of the NASS Open Week scheduled for July 14 by the House, noting that the flagship annual legislative event of the 10th House, under the leadership of Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, has come to stay.

According to him, “Though things are critical but members will never abdicate their primary responsibility of law-making 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.”