Reps Dismiss Speculation of Impending Showdown in Parliament

In a firm rebuttal to media speculation, the House of Representatives has officially dismissed rumours of an impending internal crisis.

The House spokesman, Akintunde Rotimi, stated in a press release that “the House remains united under the leadership of Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House.”

This response follows a newspaper report which suggested that frustrations over constituency projects and recruitment into the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) were fostering dissent. The House characterised the report as an amplification of private conversations, noting that “isolated remarks and informal conversations from House WhatsApp groups” do not represent official policy.

The statement clarified that “Honourable Members are free to express opinions in both formal and informal settings on matters affecting their constituencies and privileges. However, such expressions, when reported, especially when not balanced by differing viewpoints, do not constitute resolutions or positions of any caucus.”

Addressing the core issues, the release acknowledged the delays in contractor payments for constituency projects are a national challenge, not unique to parliament. It confirmed that “for many weeks, the House Leadership, through the Appropriations Committees, has engaged the Honourable Minister of Finance. Payments have commenced, and the Leadership is committed to ensuring all outstanding 2024 obligations are settled expeditiously.”

The statement added that “Members face pressure from constituents expecting nominated projects to be implemented in line with participatory development,” and that these agitations “must be understood within current fiscal realities and not misrepresented.”

Concerning the recruitment process, the House was unequivocal, stating “this is the sole responsibility of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), a statutory and independent body. The House Leadership neither conducted nor controlled the exercise.”

However, in a move underscoring its oversight role, the release confirmed that “the Speaker has directed the House Committee on Public Service Matters, which oversees the National Assembly Service Commission, to conduct a thorough investigation of the recruitment exercise and report back to the House.”

The statement concluded by firmly rejecting what it termed “false, divisive, and unhelpful” suggestions of regionally biased development, reaffirming the House’s focus on its constitutional duties. It urged members to support the process “in the collective interest of the institution and the nation,” and emphasised that the leadership “remains steadfast in upholding transparency, inclusiveness, and fairness.”