Philip Agbese: Abbas is not a sectional speaker — he treats every member equally

Philip Agbese, deputy spokesperson of the house of representatives, says Tajudeen Abbas, the speaker of the house, enjoys support from all members irrespective of party affiliation.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Monday, Agbese said Abbas carries every member along regardless of the party they belong to.

“The speaker is not a sectional leader. He is not someone who wants to run the house as a clique. From the very first day, he made it clear that he is here to serve all members and Nigerians. This is why you see overwhelming support across party lines for him,” Agbese said.

“One thing, Rt. hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, has done differently is to treat everyone with respect, whether you are a first-time member or a ranking lawmaker, from the majority or minority caucus.

“He engages with us, he listens, and he acts. That is the kind of leadership that builds trust.”

Agbese said Abbas’ leadership has fostered harmony and eased friction among lawmakers, giving members a sense of belonging and dignity.

“We have seen in the past how divisions and exclusion weakened the legislature in some of the past assemblies,” he said.

“But today, the house is united behind the Speaker because we know he is sincere, transparent, and committed to the collective good of the 10th assembly and Nigerians.

“What the speaker is doing is giving every member a voice. That is why you see robust debates, diverse perspectives, and a stronger legislature. We will continue to defend his mandate because it is not just about him but the institution and the Nigerian people.”

BACKGROUND

Reports had claimed that some lawmakers are plotting to confront Abbas when the plenary resumes on September 23 — suggesting internal divisions within the green chamber.

Some legislators were reportedly mobilising against the leadership over the recruitment of 785 staff and delays in constituency project funding, while others were said to have expressed reservations with the “selective implementation of the budget” amid insecurity in the north.

The report further alleged that some dissatisfied lawmakers accused Abbas and the leadership of the house of taking advantage of their loyalty and denying them benefits, cautioning that delays in constituency projects could jeopardise their chances of returning in 2027.