Reps Supports Abbas Over Constituency Projects Row

The House of Representatives has declared full support for Speaker Tajudeen Abbas following reports of an internal rift over delayed payments for constituency project contracts.

In a statement on Sunday, House spokesman Akin Rotimi dismissed claims of an impending “showdown” as reported by Leadership newspaper, insisting that the Green Chamber remains united under Abbas’ leadership.

Rotimi clarified that while lawmakers are free to air personal opinions in informal platforms, such comments should not be mistaken as official positions of the House or its caucuses. He stressed that parliamentary issues are addressed through established procedures involving committees and formal debates.

He credited Abbas for keeping the diverse 10th Assembly together through consensus building, adding that the House is focused on resuming plenary on September 23 with renewed commitment to national priorities.

On the matter of delayed constituency project payments, Rotimi explained that it is a nationwide challenge not limited to lawmakers’ nominations. He said the leadership, through the Appropriations Committees, has been engaging the Finance Ministry and that payments have already commenced, with assurances that all outstanding 2024 obligations will be cleared.

The statement further noted that constituency projects remain key to extending government presence across the country in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, but urged patience given current fiscal realities.

Addressing concerns about staff recruitment in parliament, Rotimi said the exercise was conducted solely by the National Assembly Service Commission, not the House leadership. He confirmed that the Speaker has ordered the House Committee on Public Service Matters to investigate the process to ensure fairness and adherence to federal character principles.

He dismissed allegations of uneven development, describing them as divisive and unhelpful, stressing that the House operates on principles of equity, justice, and fairness.

Rotimi assured that the leadership remains committed to transparency, inclusiveness, and effective representation, while urging members to channel concerns through parliamentary processes rather than speculative media reports.