House of Reps erupts as APC members join opposition lawmakers in support of motion to summon Tinubu
By Ishaya Ibrahim
A bipartisan motion seeking to summon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appear before the House of Representatives narrowly failed on Wednesday after Rep. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi opposed it, forcing Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to call for a division.
During plenary, Rep. Mascot Alex Ekwechi decried the worsening insecurity in the country and moved a motion urging President Tinubu to appear before the House to explain why trillions of naira were being spent on coastal road projects amid the crisis, and why funds were not being released for capital projects.
“Our people are being kidnapped every day. Heads are being chopped off on national television. Nigerians are suffering,” Ekwechi said. “We want to invite Tinubu to come and explain to us why we are spending trillions of naira on coastal roads while Nigerians are dying every day.”
Rep. Mohammed Buba Jajere of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) seconded the motion.
Rep. Amobi Godwin Ogah of the opposition then proposed an amendment for the House to suspend all activities this week until the President appears to account for his stewardship.
The session turned rowdy when Gagdi rose to propose a counter-amendment urging the House to summon heads of relevant ministries and agencies instead of the President. The proposal was met with stiff resistance as lawmakers shouted him down.
Amid the commotion, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas called for a division to allow members to vote openly on the motion. Supporters of the motion rejected the decision and insisted on a voice vote.
Abbas stood his ground, prompting a walkout by some members. The motion ultimately failed.
