Abbas Didn’t Halt Debate, Only Upheld House Rules — Reps Spokesman

The Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akintunde Rotimi, has clarified that the Speaker, Dr.

Tajudeen Abbas, did not stop debate on a motion concerning delays in funding capital projects but merely enforced parliamentary procedure after discrepancies were discovered in the version presented during plenary.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Rotimi explained that the issue arose while the House was considering a motion sponsored by Alexander Ikwechegh on funding challenges affecting Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the implementation of the 2026 capital budget.
According to the statement, the Speaker observed that the prayers presented on the floor differed from the version earlier approved by his office and consequently directed that the authenticated copy be read in accordance with the House Standing Orders.
The House spokesman stressed that the sponsoring lawmaker was not prevented from presenting the motion, noting that the Speaker’s intervention was solely to ensure compliance with parliamentary rules and safeguard the integrity of House proceedings.
The statement added that any substantial amendment to an already approved motion must follow the prescribed legislative process before it can be considered by the chamber.
After deliberating on the approved motion, Speaker Abbas referred the matter to an ad hoc committee for further legislative action and reaffirmed the House’s commitment to due process as well as lawmakers’ right to raise matters of public importance.