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…affirms Speaker’s fairness, respect for colleagues
The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has refuted media claims suggesting that lawmakers are gearing up for a confrontation with the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, when plenary resumes after the annual recess. He described the report as unfounded, misleading, and a calculated attempt to create disaffection in the Green Chamber.
Agbese, who represents Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency of Benue State under the APC, told journalists in Abuja on Tuesday that the story did not reflect the true atmosphere within the House, insisting that members remain firmly supportive of the Speaker and the leadership.
“The confidence of members in Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen is absolute and not in doubt. From day one, the Speaker has exhibited rare leadership traits, fairness, inclusiveness, and respect for colleagues across political divides. He has consistently carried everyone along in decision-making under the ‘People’s House’ agenda and has remained committed to both members’ welfare and constituency development,” Agbese said.
Addressing the alleged grievances over recruitment in an interview in the National Assembly, Agbese clarified that the process was solely handled by the National Assembly Service Commission, an autonomous body, and not the Speaker or the leadership of the 10th House.
“It is simply mischievous to link the Speaker with matters outside his statutory responsibilities. He has instead concentrated on empowering members to perform effectively, ensuring welfare packages, constituency support, and robust legislative engagement,” he added.
The lawmaker, however, disclosed that in his usual open-minded approach, the Speaker has constituted two special committees to examine the issues raised. According to him, one committee will be chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, while the other will be led by former Deputy Speaker of the 9th House, Rt. Hon. Idris Wase.
“Speaker Abbas has invested heavily in stabilizing this House. In our first year, he made sacrifices, even relinquishing some entitlements for the sake of first-term lawmakers in terms of project and resource allocation. He also decentralized committee leaderships to broaden oversight and accommodate more members.
“He is highly accessible, working around the clock. If he isn’t in the office, he is at his residence attending to members’ concerns. I recall one Christmas when I led 13 colleagues to him because they had nothing to distribute to their constituents. His swift intervention resolved the matter immediately. This is the kind of leader he is, both primus inter pares and a loyal party man who supports the President’s success,” Agbese explained.
According to him, the House is not a “rubber stamp” as often insinuated, but rather a disciplined parliament guided by rules and standing orders that foster smooth operations.
“For those who know the history of this parliament, it is evident that Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, has set new standards. Many of us would gladly re-elect him and Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu if the chance came again. He is the most supportive Speaker we have had, quietly working for the collective interest of members,” he stated.
Agbese admitted that challenges persist, especially with constituency projects, which he blamed on poor releases from the executive. He assured that the leadership was working tirelessly to ensure delivery of the projects, stressing that the Speaker shares members’ frustrations and is determined to address them.
The lawmaker further noted that when the House resumes on September 23, it will devote attention to national issues such as the ongoing constitution review, insecurity, economic reforms, and monitoring of budget implementation.
“Our focus remains the people. The leadership is ensuring that every lawmaker, regardless of party or region, has the backing needed to succeed both in their constituencies and at the national level. Nigerians can be rest assured that the House remains united, determined, and committed to its constitutional mandate,” Agbese said.
He also urged the media to uphold accuracy and verify facts before publication in order to avoid sowing unnecessary division between lawmakers and the Nigerian public.
Agbese concluded by reassuring citizens that under the stewardship of Speaker Abbas, the 10th House is resolute in delivering people-oriented legislation and responsive leadership that tackles the daily challenges faced by Nigerians.