Lawmakers descended into chaos on Wednesday as the House of Representatives split over whether to demand that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appear before them. The uproar erupted when Benedict Etanabene, representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie in Delta State, raised concerns about a June 29 circular from the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi.
Etanabene told the chamber that the directive had sparked serious questions and required immediate legislative review. He pushed for the House to call on President Tinubu to come and address lawmakers about what the circular meant for the nation.
The proposal split the chamber instantly. Some members argued that the National Assembly bore a constitutional responsibility to examine executive decisions on public money and governance matters.
Others pushed back strongly, saying summoning the president contradicted established constitutional norms and wasn't necessary. The disagreement quickly turned into a shouting match, with members interrupting each other repeatedly across the floor.
Tempers flared as lawmakers traded accusations and refused to yield speaking time. The presiding officer had to step in multiple times to try bringing order back to the chamber.
