House of Representatives Abruptly Adjourns Over Budget Tensions Amid Heated Exchanges and Loan Approval Dispute
House of Representatives Abruptly Adjourns Over Budget Tensions Amid Heated Exchanges and Loan Approval Dispute
Tension over the 2026 budget caused the House of Representatives to abruptly adjourn proceedings on Tuesday, as lawmakers chose not to consider any items on the day’s Order Paper. This rare development was last seen only when the chamber suspended sittings to honor a deceased member.
Prior to the adjournment, lawmakers engaged in heated exchanges during a closed-door session, fueling speculation about increasing divisions within the House regarding the handling of the budget process.
The House is scheduled to reconvene today to resume legislative activities, with a focus expected on the loan request before the chamber.
The Tuesday Order Paper included 30 bills for first reading, 16 reports for consideration, eight bills for second reading, and six motions for review and potential adoption.
The proceedings started with the arrival of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and other principal officers, after which the lawmakers entered a closed executive session lasting about an hour. Although no official explanations were provided, sources indicated that the discussion centered on the expiration of a one-week ultimatum given to the Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning, and the Accountant General of the Federation, to settle outstanding debts owed to local contractors.
After emerging from the closed session, tension escalated when Ifeanyi Uzokwe from Anambra State repeatedly sought recognition to raise a point of order. His efforts were ignored by the Speaker, who instead announced an emergency meeting of the South West caucus. Uzokwe persisted, prompting the Speaker to direct him to approach privately. Shortly afterward, House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere moved a motion for adjournment, which was quickly adopted, ending the session.
Last week, President Tinubu sent a letter to the House leadership seeking approval for a borrowing plan. The letter, read by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, emphasized that the N1.15 trillion facility was crucial to bridge the funding gap in the 2025 fiscal plan. Titled “Request for the Approval of the National Assembly for a Borrowing Programme to Fund the 2025 Budget Deficit,” the request was also presented to the Senate by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
