In a Press Statement on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, the Office of the House Spokesman wishes to clarify the circumstances surrounding the procedural issue that arose during Wednesday’s sitting of the House of Representatives presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON.
The clarification follows public commentary regarding a Matter of Urgent Public Importance sponsored by opposition lawmaker, Rep. Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh, representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency of Abia State, on funding challenges affecting Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the implementation of the capital component of the Federal Budget.
For clarity, the issue was not the substance of the motion, but a procedural matter relating to a difference between the version of the motion submitted to the Speaker for approval and the version presented on the floor.
Under Order Eight, Rule 5(1) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives (Eleventh Edition), Matters of Urgent Public Importance must be submitted to the Speaker for consideration before they are raised in plenary. This ensures that only matters meeting the required threshold of urgency are admitted and that Members deliberate on an authenticated text.
The Speaker admitted the motion for debate, despite objections from some Members, thereby allowing the sponsoring Member to present the matter before the House.
However, during the presentation, the Speaker observed that some portions of the motion, particularly the proposed resolutions and prayers, differed materially from the version earlier submitted and approved. Additional prayers not contained in the approved document had been introduced.
To ensure transparency and protect the integrity of the House’s records, the Speaker directed that the officially submitted version be read and invited Members of the Minority Caucus to verify the discrepancy.
As an institution built on records and due process, the House can only take decisions based on motions and documents duly submitted, authenticated, and admitted for consideration. Any substantial alteration to an approved motion during presentation must follow the appropriate parliamentary procedure.
It is important to emphasise that the sponsoring Member was not prevented from raising the issue before the House. The concern was solely about ensuring compliance with established procedures and maintaining the integrity of legislative records.
While acknowledging that Members continue to deepen their understanding of parliamentary practice, all Members are expected to present motions strictly in the form submitted and approved for consideration.
In accordance with the prayers contained in the officially submitted motion, the Speaker subsequently referred the matter to an Ad Hoc Committee of the House for further legislative examination and reporting.
The House of Representatives remains committed to protecting Members’ rights to raise matters of public importance while ensuring that all proceedings are conducted in line with the Standing Orders, due process, and the highest standards of parliamentary integrity.
Signed:
Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr.
Spokesman, House of Representatives
