The House of Representatives has dismissed claims of internal rifts among its members, insisting the chamber remains united under Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
Reacting to reports that some lawmakers were mobilising against the leadership over staffing and constituency project delays, Akin Rotimi, spokesperson of the House, said such claims did not reflect the chamber’s official position.
In a statement on Sunday, August 31, Rotimi, who also chairs the committee on media and public affairs, explained that members are free to share opinions informally, but such remarks should not be mistaken for binding resolutions.
“Contrary to insinuations of an impending ‘showdown’, the House remains united under the leadership of Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House,” the statement reads.
He noted that with 360 members representing different political, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, the House mirrors Nigeria’s diversity and continues to address disagreements through consensus.
“Honourable Members face pressure from constituents expecting nominated projects to be implemented in line with participatory development.
READ ALSO: Reps Push Bill to Make Appeal Court Verdict in Gov Election Cases
“The House operates on principles of equity, justice, and fairness. Internal disagreements are addressed through established parliamentary mechanisms, not speculative newspaper reports,” he said.
Rotimi said constituency project delays were tied to national issues, particularly late payments to contractors, but stressed that the finance ministry had begun settling 2024 obligations.
He added that such projects were designed to extend government presence in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, urging against misrepresentation of genuine concerns.
On recruitment, Rotimi clarified that the exercise was handled by the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), an independent body.
He said Abbas had already directed the committee on public service matters to investigate and report to the House.
He also credited Abbas for fostering inclusiveness in the 10th Assembly. “It is to Abbas’s credit that the House has reached joint decisions on national matters while ensuring every member’s voice is heard,” Rotimi said.
While describing the report as “largely misleading,” he acknowledged that it underscored concerns about project delivery, job opportunities, and security, which remain top priorities for lawmakers.