House of Representatives Dismiss Claims of Planned Confrontation with Speaker
House of Representatives Dismiss Claims of Planned Confrontation with Speaker
The House of Representatives on Monday dismissed claims of a planned plot against Speaker Abbas Tajudeen over delays in constituency project funding, describing the reports as misleading and based on informal conversations taken out of context.
In a statement released on Sunday, spokesman Akin Rotimi Jr. criticized a media report that suggested dissatisfaction over unpaid constituency projects could spark a confrontation against the Speaker.
Rotimi argued that the report “exaggerates isolated comments and informal discussions from House WhatsApp groups, presenting them as if they reflect the official stance of any House caucus or the House itself.”
He emphasized that, despite the 10th Assembly’s political, ethnic, and religious diversity, it remains united under Speaker Abbas.
While acknowledging delayed contractor payments, Rotimi said the issue was not peculiar to constituency projects by lawmakers but was part of wider fiscal challenges across the federation.
“Delayed contractor payments are a national challenge and not peculiar to the constituency projects nominated by honourable Members,” the statement noted. “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.”
Rotimi also acknowledged that lawmakers were under pressure from constituents to deliver nominated projects, but cautioned against misinterpreting these concerns.
“Honourable members face pressure from constituents expecting nominated projects to be implemented in line with participatory development,” he explained. “While these agitations are valid, they must be understood within current fiscal realities and not misrepresented.”
Addressing the controversy over recruitment into the National Assembly bureaucracy, Rotimi clarified that the House leadership has no role in the process, which falls solely under the purview of the National Assembly Service Commission.
He stated, “The House leadership neither conducted nor controlled the exercise. Recruitment is carried out according to the principles of Federal Character, inclusiveness, and merit, ensuring fair representation of Nigerians across all states and geopolitical zones.”
Rotimi added that the Speaker had ordered an investigation into the recruitment process to guarantee transparency.
“In line with its oversight responsibilities, the Speaker has directed the House Committee on Public Service Matters, which supervises the National Assembly Commission, to conduct a thorough review of the recruitment exercise and report back to the House,” he said.
The House also refuted claims that projects or development benefits were being disproportionately allocated to certain regions.
“Assertions that development is unfairly concentrated in any particular region are false, divisive, and unhelpful. The House operates on principles of equity, justice, and fairness,” the statement emphasized.
Reaffirming its dedication to transparency, inclusiveness, and fairness in lawmaking, oversight, and representation, the House leadership urged members and the public to disregard any insinuations of internal discord.
