Reps Reaffirm Confidence in Speaker Abbas, Dismiss Talk of Showdown
- Deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Honourable Philip Agbese, has dismissed reports of a looming faceoff with Speaker Tajudeen Abbas
- He said members remain solidly behind the Speaker, describing their confidence in his leadership as unwavering
- Agbese explained that staff recruitment in the National Assembly was handled by an independent body, not the House leadership
Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Honourable Philip Agbese, has rejected reports that lawmakers are plotting a confrontation with the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, when the chamber reconvenes later this month.
He described such claims as speculative and an attempt to create disunity in the House.
Source: Facebook
Agbese affirms support for speaker
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Septemeber 2, Agbese said members remain solidly behind the leadership of Speaker Abbas and are satisfied with his style of administration.
According to him, the speaker has earned the trust of lawmakers by demonstrating fairness, respect for colleagues, and prioritising the welfare of both members and their constituencies.
“The confidence of members in Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen is not negotiable and unwavering. Since his emergence, Mr. Speaker has demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership, fairness, and deep respect for colleagues across party lines.
He has continued to carry members along in decision-making in line with the ‘People’s House’ mantra and has shown unmatched commitment to the welfare of members and development of their constituencies,” Agbese said.
He clarified that grievances reported over staff recruitment in the National Assembly were misplaced, pointing out that the exercise was conducted by the National Assembly Service Commission, not the Speaker or the leadership of the 10th House.
“Attempts to drag the Speaker into matters outside his statutory purview are unfortunate. The Speaker has remained focused on strengthening the capacity of members to deliver on their mandate to Nigerians. Welfare, constituency support, and effective legislative engagement remain the hallmark of his leadership,” he added.
Abbas praised for decentralising issues
Agbese explained that in response to some of the concerns, Abbas has already set up two committees led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and former Deputy Speaker Idris Wase to examine issues raised.
Source: Facebook
He praised the Speaker for decentralising committee roles, giving up personal benefits for the collective good, and making himself accessible to colleagues even during holidays.
According to him:
“Abbas Tajudeen has done more than enough to stabilise the House. During our first year in office he had to shed all the weight acquired from previous leadership to accommodate everyone. This means that he had to give up his statutory benefits for first termer in terms of projects and resources allocation.”
He further stated that Abbas has maintained his position as a loyal party man, working closely with the presidency while ensuring that the parliament remains effective and people-centred.
Agbese admitted that challenges persist, especially in the area of constituency projects, but assured that the leadership is working to ensure delivery despite funding delays from the executive. He stressed that members remain committed to the concerns of their constituents.
He also expressed confidence that when the House resumes on September 23, lawmakers will focus on pressing national issues such as constitutional amendments, insecurity, economic reforms, and budget performance. He urged the media to avoid speculative stories that could damage the cordial working relationship in the chamber.
“What the Speaker and the leadership of the 10th House are doing is to ensure every member irrespective of party affiliation or regional leaning, has the needed support to succeed back home in their constituencies and in Abuja. Nigerians can rest assured that the House remains united, committed, and focused on delivering on its legislative responsibilities,” Agbese said
What must happen before any new state is created - senate
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Senate announced that all proposals for the creation of new states would undergo a rigorous review process before any recommendation or approval is made.
Lawmakers say the approach would be guided by national interest, transparency, and adherence to due process.
Senate spokesperson and chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, revealed that the National Assembly has so far received no fewer than 61 formal requests from across the six geopolitical zones.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
