The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese (APC–Benue), has dismissed reports suggesting that lawmakers are plotting to unseat Speaker Abbas Tajudeen after the ongoing recess.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Agbese described the claims as “speculative, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to sow discord” within the Green Chamber. He stressed that members remain “firmly united” behind the Speaker, adding that confidence in Tajudeen’s leadership is “not negotiable and unwavering.”
The clarification followed a media report (not by TV360 Nigeria) alleging that discontent over unpaid constituency projects, delayed payments to contractors, and exclusion from a recent National Assembly recruitment exercise could trigger a showdown against the Speaker.
Agbese, however, explained that recruitment in the legislature is the responsibility of the National Assembly Service Commission—an independent body—and not that of the Speaker. He insisted that the reports of sidelining members were “pure misinformation.”
‘Speaker Abbas Has Been Fair, Accessible, and Supportive’
The lawmaker praised Tajudeen’s leadership style, noting his fairness, accessibility, and commitment to members’ welfare and constituency development.
“Since his emergence, Mr. Speaker has carried every member along in decision-making in line with the ‘People’s House’ mantra.
He works tirelessly, meeting colleagues both in the office and at his residence, to resolve their concerns. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, is the most supportive Speaker in every ramification,” Agbese said.
He recounted instances where the Speaker personally intervened to support members, including during festive periods when colleagues needed urgent assistance to meet the needs of their constituents.
According to him, Tajudeen has also made deliberate sacrifices to stabilise the House, even giving up statutory benefits for first-term lawmakers and decentralising committees to allow more members take up leadership roles.
To further address concerns raised by some members, Agbese disclosed that the Speaker had set up two special committees—one chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and the other by former Deputy Speaker Idris Wase—to examine the issues.
He noted that challenges around constituency projects persist mainly because of inadequate funding by the executive arm, but assured Nigerians that the leadership of the House was actively engaging to ensure delivery.
“Mr. Speaker feels our pains and won’t rest until something is done. The parliament is not docile, but you can’t fight when there are no grievances. Our rules of engagement and standing orders make the House effective and results-driven,” he added.
Agbese reaffirmed members’ confidence in Abbas Tajudeen, declaring that many would gladly re-elect him and his deputy if given the chance.
He urged the media to verify facts before publication to avoid fueling unnecessary tension or undermining the legislature’s cordial relationship with the Nigerian people.
The House is expected to reconvene on September 23, with a renewed focus on pressing national issues.
