By Peter Omopo
31st August 2025
The House of Representatives has reaffirmed its loyalty to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, dismissing reports of an imminent face-off over delays in payments for constituency project contracts.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the House spokesman, Akin Rotimi, described a recent newspaper report suggesting a looming “showdown” as misleading, stressing that the Green Chamber remains united under Abbas’ leadership.
“The attention of the House of Representatives has been drawn to a report published on August 30, 2025, which elevates isolated remarks and informal conversations from WhatsApp groups as if they represent the official position of any caucus or the House itself,” the statement read.
“Contrary to insinuations of a rift, the House remains solidly united under the leadership of Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas, GCON. With 360 members from across Nigeria’s political, ethnic, and religious diversity, the 10th Assembly has maintained consensus on national issues while giving every member a voice.”
Rotimi clarified that while lawmakers are free to express opinions on issues affecting their constituencies, such remarks do not amount to official resolutions of the House.
On the issue of delayed constituency project payments, the spokesman noted that such challenges were part of a wider national problem and not peculiar to lawmakers’ nominated projects.
“For weeks, the House leadership, through the Appropriations Committees, has engaged the Minister of Finance. Payments have commenced, and leadership is committed to ensuring all outstanding 2024 obligations are settled expeditiously,” he added.
He stressed that constituency projects remain vital in extending government presence across the country, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, but urged patience given prevailing fiscal realities.
Addressing concerns about staff recruitment in parliament, Rotimi explained that the process was solely under the National Assembly Service Commission, not the House leadership. He, however, disclosed that the Speaker had directed the House Committee on Public Service Matters to investigate the exercise to ensure fairness and compliance with federal character principles.
He also rejected claims that parliamentary development efforts were skewed towards any particular region, insisting that the House operates on principles of equity, justice, and inclusiveness.
“The report is largely misleading, but it underscores the fact that members remain engaged with issues that directly affect Nigerians, including project implementation, equitable employment opportunities, and national security,” the statement concluded.
The House is expected to resume plenary on September 23, 2025, with what Rotimi described as “renewed commitment to national priorities.”
