The 2025 budget defence session by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the National Assembly turned chaotic on Thursday as lawmakers engaged in heated exchanges over procedural disagreements.
Contention Over Budget Documents
The confrontation began when Egbetokun started providing a breakdown of funds earmarked for constructing five zonal police headquarters nationwide. Representative Mark Esset from Akwa Ibom interrupted, questioning why the details being presented by the IG were not reflected in the circulated documents.
Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North, further escalated the situation, insisting that lawmakers should have complete and accurate documentation before proceeding. “We are here to serve Nigerians, and Nigerians should see us as a very serious institution,” Nwebonyi said.
Despite his Point of Order, the Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, Abubakar Yalleman, overruled him, allowing the IG to continue. Frustrated, Nwebonyi stormed out of the session amid jeers from members of the House of Representatives, exchanging words as he left.
Lawmakers React
Yusuf Gagdi, a representative from Plateau State, expressed disappointment over the disruptions. He explained that parliamentary rules grant the floor to speakers in an orderly manner and criticized interruptions during the session.
IG’s Budgetary Appeal
After order was restored, Egbetokun resumed his presentation, emphasizing the police’s critical need for adequate funding. He highlighted the limitations of the envelope budgetary system, which he said stifles the Force’s effectiveness.
On recruitment, Egbetokun disclosed a significant policy shift under President Bola Tinubu, raising the annual police recruitment quota from 10,000 to 30,000. He urged lawmakers to support this initiative to bolster the Force’s capacity.
“We are glad that this committee has recognised the gross underfunding of the police,” the IG remarked, appealing to the National Assembly to ensure the Force receives sufficient resources to fulfill its mandate.
Call for Collaboration
The incident underscores the tension between lawmakers and government agencies during budget deliberations, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing critical national security needs.
