Philip Agbese: Nigeria’s house of reps respected in global parliamentary forums

Philip Agbese, deputy spokesperson of the house of representatives, says the country’s parliament is respected in global legislative forums.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja, Agbese said Tajudeen Abbas’ leadership as the presiding officer has earned the parliament respect it previously lacked.

The Benue lawmaker said that under Abbas, the house has evolved into a dynamic institution that meets the needs of citizens and is admired across the continent.

“Rt. Hon Abbas, PhD, GCON has turned the house into a powerhouse of progress,” Agbese said.

“His commitment to transparency, bill sponsorship, and stakeholder engagement has made our parliament functional and exemplary. The speaker embodies the kind of leadership Africa desperately needs.

“Our voices now count in the global lawmaking arena, thanks to his strategic diplomacy.

“Unlike previous assemblies, where Nigeria’s participation was often peripheral, the 10th house under Abbas has actively shaped agendas in major parliamentary forums, fostering collaborations that address shared African challenges like debt sustainability, gender equity, and democratic governance.

“Supported by Abbas, members of the 10th House have attended key sessions and made meaningful contributions at international bodies such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Commonwealth Parliamentary Union (CPU), Pan-African Parliament (PAP), and ECOWAS Parliament.”

Agbese cited the recent 11th annual conference and general assembly of the West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC) hosted in Abuja as Abbas’ achievement.

“I’ve seen firsthand how the speaker has changed the game for us in the house. He is not just a presiding officer; he’s a mentor who listens to every member, big or small,” he said.

“He’s the kind of leader who remembers your name and your constituency’s challenges. It’s heartwarming to see how he unites us across parties, making the house feel like home while pushing us to excel on the world stage. 

“He has made Nigeria’s voice echo in halls where it was once a whisper, which fills me with pride as a lawmaker. It’s emotional, really, seeing how far we have come.

“Speaker Abbas has turned challenges into opportunities, like hosting WAAPAC in Abuja. Unlike in the past, we are now the hosts, setting the agenda on debt and accountability.

“His support for our committees has empowered us to contribute meaningfully to ECOWAS and PAP, proving that under his watch, Nigeria leads Africa.

“When he speaks on transnational issues like migration or coups, it’s with such passion that you know he cares deeply.”

Agbese added that when the house resumes plenary on Tuesday, Abbas will bring energy into lawmaking to benefit Nigerians.