The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Mr. Philip Agbese, has expressed strong disapproval of comments made by Yusuf Galambi, the member representing Gwaram Federal Constituency in Jigawa State, regarding the 2024 budget presentation. Galambi, a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, was reported to have described President Bola Tinubu’s presentation of the 2024 Appropriation Bill as presenting “empty boxes.”
President Tinubu presented the budget of N27.5 trillion before a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, triggering Galambi’s criticism. The Jigawa lawmaker alleged that the President was not prepared for budget defense and accused him of playing to the gallery, further noting that Tinubu failed to provide lawmakers with copies of the budget documents during the presentation.
Addressing journalists at the National Assembly Complex, Agbese condemned Galambi’s remarks, attributing them to post-election tribunal fatigue and inadequate attention during plenary sessions. Agbese emphasized that the 10th National Assembly of the House of Representatives does not entertain frivolous comments from the executive or the public.
He clarified that the Committee on Appropriation had already distributed the details of the budget proposal to respective committees. Agbese assured that relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies would begin defending their budget estimates before the committee from Monday. He also affirmed that the Speaker would monitor committee activities during the scrutiny period, ensuring the best outcomes for the Nigerian people.
Describing the 10th House as one of the “most responsible parliaments in the world,” Agbese criticized Galambi’s statement as careless, un-parliamentary, and unfortunate. He attributed the comment to lack of concentration, absenteeism, and post-election petition trauma, stating that such remarks should not have been reported by a patriotic press.