By Ayodele Oni
“The angry Honourables allege that Speaker Abbas and others short-changed Members of the House in the sharing of privileges”
The Leadership of the House of Representatives has denied any rancour amongst its membership in the face of reported complaints from some aggrieved members over the sharing of privileges.
A report had indicated that members were spoiling for a showdown, with the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen and his team of officers ahead of their September 23 resumption.
It noted that some angry members have started compiling what they described as the ‘iniquities’ of the Speaker and the House leadership.
They alleged that Abbas and others short-changed members of the House in the sharing of privileges.
However, the house leadership said on Sunday that the report did not represent the true situation at the lower chambers.
A statement by House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi, said the report merely elevated isolated remarks and informal conversations from House WhatsApp groups as if they represented the official position of any House caucus or the House itself.
The statement stated that “Contrary to insinuations of an impending ‘showdown,’ the House remains united under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, 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.
“Honourable Members are free to express opinions in both formal and informal settings on matters affecting their constituencies and privileges.
“However, such expressions when reported, especially when not balanced by differing viewpoints, do not constitute resolutions or positions of any caucus.
“The House operates according to established parliamentary procedures, through which caucus leaders, committees, or individual Members may formally table issues for the leadership or, where necessary, for debate and resolution by the entire chamber.
“Informal conversations are normal in a vibrant democracy but cannot represent official positions.
“It is to the Speaker’s credit that, despite this diversity, the 10th Assembly has remained united, reaching common positions on national issues through consensus building and allowing every Member a voice.
“The House remains focused on preparing for resumption on September 23, 2025, with renewed commitment to national priorities.
“Some issues referenced in the report conflate genuine concerns with sensationalism. Delayed contractor payments are a national challenge and not peculiar to the constituency projects nominated by Honourable Members.
“For many weeks, the House Leadership, through the Appropriations Committees, has engaged the Honourable Minister of Finance. Payments have commenced and the Leadership is committed to ensuring all outstanding 2024 obligations are settled expeditiously.
“Honourable Members face pressure from constituents expecting nominated projects to be implemented in line with participatory development.
“The Leadership stresses that, in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, constituency projects are essential for extending government presence nationwide.
“While these agitations are valid, they must be understood within current fiscal realities and not misrepresented.”
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