Philip Agbese: Reps confident in Abbas’ leadership, no rancour

Philip Agbese, deputy spokesperson of the  house of representatives, says members repose ample confidence in the leadership of Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the green chamber. 

BACKGROUND

Reports had claimed that some lawmakers are plotting to confront Abbas when plenary resumes on September 23 — suggesting internal divisions within the 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 taking advantage of their loyalty and denying them benefits, cautioning that delays in constituency projects could jeopardise their chances of returning in 2027.

‘MEMBERS CONFIDENT IN ABBAS’

Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, Agbese dismissed reports of a looming showdown, saying lawmakers remain solidly behind Abbas.

“The confidence of members in Rt. hon Abbas Tajudeen is not negotiable and unwavering. Since his emergence, Mr speaker has demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership, fairness, and deep respect for colleagues across party lines,” he said.

“He has continued to carry members along in decision-making in line with the people’s house mantra and has shown unmatched commitment to the welfare of members and development of their constituencies.

“Attempts to drag the speaker into matters outside his statutory purview are unfortunate.

“The speaker has remained focused on strengthening the capacity of members to deliver on their mandate to Nigerians. Welfare, constituency support, and effective legislative engagement remain the hallmark of his leadership.

“Abbas Tajudeen has done more than enough to stabilise the house. During our first year in office, he had to shed all the weight acquired from previous leadership to accommodate everyone. This means that he had to give up his statutory benefits for a first-termer in terms of project and resource allocation.

“He didn’t stop there; he decentralised some of the committees to ensure not just wider oversight but to ensure many members occupy leadership positions.

“The speaker is completely accessible and works around the clock on a 24-hour basis. If he is not in the office, he is at his personal residence attending to members’ concerns individually and collectively.

“I remember a particular Christmas when I had to lead about 13 members to him because they were stranded and didn’t have rice to give to their constituents. These are my colleagues, and they would attest to the immediate results that we got.

“Suffice to add that he has done quite enough in being the primus inter pares at the same time being a loyal party man who wants Mr president to succeed in all things.

“The parliament is not docile. You just can’t fight when there are no grievances. We are totally different from other arms of government, and aside from our rules of engagement, we also have our standing order that makes things smooth for easy results.

“We have the history of the parliament and can testify to it that Rt. hon Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, is the best so far. No one can match his records. For many of us in this assembly, if the opportunity presents itself again, we will choose Abbas as speaker and Benjamin Kalu as his deputy again.”

Agbese described Abbas as the most supportive speaker the house has ever had, noting that he consistently works behind the scenes in the interest of members.

Admitting that there are challenges, particularly with constituency projects which the executive has not adequately funded, Agbese said the leadership is determined to ensure delivery.

The lawmaker said the issue at stake is not about lawmakers but their constituents, and that the speaker shares in their frustrations, while working tirelessly to address them.

He added that Abbas and the leadership of the 10th house are committed to giving every member — regardless of party or region — the support needed to succeed in their constituencies and in Abuja.