No Rift In The House! Agbese Denies Lawmakers Plotting Showdown With Speaker Abbas

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has debunked claims that lawmakers are plotting a confrontation with Speaker Abbas Tajudeen when plenary resumes, describing such reports as speculative and designed to sow division.

Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), told journalists in Abuja on Tuesday that the publication grossly misrepresented the reality in the Green Chamber.

“The confidence of members in Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen is unshakable. Since assuming office, the Speaker has demonstrated exemplary leadership, fairness, and respect across party lines. He carries members along in decision-making under the ‘People’s House’ mantra, with unmatched commitment to members’ welfare and constituency development,” he said.

On the alleged grievances over staff recruitment in the National Assembly, Agbese clarified that the exercise was solely conducted by the National Assembly Service Commission, an independent body, not the Speaker or House leadership. He added that dragging the Speaker into matters beyond his statutory mandate was both mischievous and misleading.

He further revealed that Abbas had already set up two special committees to address emerging concerns — one chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, and the other by former Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase.

According to Agbese, the Speaker has consistently gone above and beyond to stabilise the House, even making personal sacrifices to accommodate members’ interests. He noted that Abbas decentralised committee leadership, ensured wider participation in oversight functions, and remained accessible to colleagues at all times.

“The parliament is not docile, but you can’t manufacture a fight where no grievances exist. For many of us, if given the chance, we would still choose Abbas as Speaker and Kalu as Deputy Speaker again. Abbas is the most supportive and accessible Speaker in our history,” Agbese stressed.

He acknowledged challenges around constituency projects, which he attributed to inadequate executive funding, but assured that the Speaker and leadership were working tirelessly to address them.

Looking ahead, Agbese said that when the House reconvenes on September 23, it will prioritise critical national issues such as the constitution amendment process, insecurity, economic reforms, and budget implementation.

He urged the media to verify reports before publication, warning against sensational claims capable of straining the cordial relationship within the House.

“The House, under Speaker Abbas, is united and fully focused on people-centred legislation that tackles the real challenges facing Nigerians,” Agbese concluded.