The House of Representatives has dismissed claims of internal divisions and a supposed plan to challenge Speaker Tajudeen Abbas when plenary resumes on September 23.
Gatekeepers News reports that some reports had alleged that some lawmakers were mobilising against the leadership over staff recruitment, delayed constituency project funding, and selective budget implementation.
Reacting, Akin Rotimi, spokesperson of the House, said the reports are misleading and do not reflect the official position of the chamber.
Rotimi, who also chairs the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, explained that while lawmakers are free to express personal opinions on various platforms, such remarks cannot be mistaken for resolutions of the House.
The statement reads, “Contrary to insinuations of an impending ‘showdown’, the House remains united under the leadership of Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House.”
“With 360 members from every part of Nigeria, across diverse political, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, the House reflects the nation’s full heterogeneity.”
He added that the 10th Assembly has consistently adopted consensus-building in addressing national issues, ensuring that all voices are heard through parliamentary procedures such as debates, committees, or caucus leadership, rather than informal conversations.
On the issue of constituency projects, Rotimi acknowledged that lawmakers are under pressure from constituents but clarified that the delays in payments to contractors are a broader national challenge.
According to him, the finance ministry has already begun clearing outstanding 2024 obligations.
He said, “Honourable Members face pressure from constituents expecting nominated projects to be implemented in line with participatory development.”
Rotimi stressed that constituency projects remain vital in extending government presence across the country, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Addressing concerns over the recruitment of 785 new staff, Rotimi clarified that the process was not handled by the House leadership but by the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), an independent body.
He further disclosed that Abbas has mandated the committee on public service matters, which supervises the NASC, to investigate the exercise and submit a report.
Rotimi also assured that the House remains committed to transparency, fairness, and inclusiveness.
He said, “The House operates on principles of equity, justice, and fairness. Internal disagreements are addressed through established parliamentary mechanisms, not speculative newspaper reports.”
He concluded that while the concerns raised touch on real issues such as project delivery, job opportunities, and insecurity, they remain the legislative priorities of the chamber and will continue to be addressed constructively.
