Reps Dismiss Rift Rumours, Reaffirm Confidence in Speaker Abbas

T The House of Representatives has debunked reports suggesting divisions within its ranks, insisting that the chamber remains united under the leadership of Speaker Rt. Hon. Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON.

The clarification followed a report by Leadership Newspapers of August 30, 2025, which portrayed comments allegedly lifted from lawmakers’ WhatsApp conversations as indications of an impending “showdown” in the Green Chamber.

In a statement signed by the House Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., the lawmakers described the report as “largely misleading,” stressing that informal exchanges among members do not amount to resolutions or official caucus positions.

“Honourable Members are free to express opinions in both formal and informal settings. However, such expressions when reported, especially without balance, do not constitute resolutions of any caucus or the House itself,” the statement read.

The House maintained that despite Nigeria’s political, ethnic, and religious diversity, the 10th Assembly had remained cohesive, adopting common positions on national issues through consensus building. Lawmakers are expected to resume plenary on September 23, 2025, with a renewed focus on pressing national priorities.

Constituency Projects and Contractor Payments
Addressing concerns over delayed payments for constituency projects, the House said the matter was a nationwide fiscal challenge, not peculiar to lawmakers’ nominated projects. It added that the Leadership, through the Appropriations Committees, had been in regular discussions with the Minister of Finance and that payments had already begun.

“Honourable Members face pressure from constituents eager to see nominated projects implemented. These agitations are valid but must be appreciated against prevailing fiscal realities and not misrepresented,” the statement noted.

Recruitment in the National Assembly
On the controversial recruitment exercise in the National Assembly, the House clarified that the process was handled solely by the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), an independent body, and not by the Speaker or House Leadership.

While emphasizing that the recruitment adhered to principles of Federal Character, inclusiveness, and merit, Speaker Abbas directed the House Committee on Public Service Matters to probe the exercise and report back to the chamber.

Unity and Equity
The statement also dismissed suggestions that development had been skewed in favour of any particular region, describing such claims as “false, divisive, and unhelpful.”

According to Rep. Rotimi, the report, though misleading, showed the passion of lawmakers who continue to advocate for project implementation, equitable employment opportunities, and better security for Nigerians.

“The Leadership of the House remains unwavering in its commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and fairness in fulfilling its constitutional mandate of lawmaking, oversight, and representation,” the spokesman concluded.