WhatsApp Leaks Denied: Lawmakers Reject Claims Of Plot Against Tajudeen Abbas

The House of Representatives has dismissed claims of a plot against Speaker Tajudeen Abbas related to delays in constituency project funding.

In a statement on Sunday, House spokesman Akin Rotimi described the report, which suggested internal conflict against the Speaker, as misleading and based on informal conversations taken out of context.

Rotimi emphasized that the 10th Assembly remains united under Abbas, despite its political, ethnic, and religious diversity. He criticized the report for “elevating isolated remarks and informal chats from House WhatsApp groups as if they represent the official stance of any House caucus or the House itself.”

While acknowledging that some contractor payments were delayed, Rotimi clarified that this issue is part of broader fiscal challenges across the country, not unique to lawmakers’ constituency projects.

“Delayed contractor payments are a national challenge and not peculiar to the constituency projects nominated by Honourable Members. For several weeks, the House leadership, through the Appropriations Committees, has engaged the Honourable Minister of Finance. Payments have now commenced, and the leadership remains committed to ensuring all outstanding 2024 obligations are settled promptly,” the statement said.

Rotimi also noted that while lawmakers face pressure from constituents to deliver projects, these concerns should not be misrepresented.

“Honourable Members are under pressure from constituents expecting nominated projects to be implemented as part of participatory development. While these demands are valid, they must be understood within the current fiscal realities and not misinterpreted,” he added.