By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
The House of Representatives has strongly denied reports of a showdown between lawmakers and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas over alleged marginalization and unfair treatment.
According to the House spokesman, Akin Rotimi, the claims are “misleading and sensational.”
The controversy is around the recruitment of 785 new staff members and delayed funding for constituency projects.
The lawmakers are unhappy about the recent recruitment exercise. They claimed that they were not involved in the process. However, Akin Rotimi clarified that the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), an independent body, handled the recruitment, ensuring fair representation across states and geopolitical zones. He said, “The House Leadership neither conducted nor controlled the exercise. The process follows principles of Federal Character, inclusiveness, and merit, ensuring fair representation of Nigerians across states and geopolitical zones.”
Lawmakers are also expressing frustration over delayed payments to contractors for constituency projects, which they fear could impact their re-election chances in 2027. Akin Rotimi attributed the delay to national fiscal challenges, emphasizing that the House leadership is engaging with the Minister of Finance to address outstanding obligations.
The House leadership, through Akin Rotimi, emphasized its commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and fairness. Abbas has directed the Committee on Public Service Matters to investigate the recruitment process.
Akin Rotimi said, “Contrary to insinuations of an impending “showdown,” the House remains united under the leadership of Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House.”
He also said, “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.”
The House is set to reconvene on September 23, 2025, with a renewed commitment to national priorities. The leadership urges members to support the process in the collective interest of the institution and the nation
