Tension brews in House of Reps over alleged plot against Speaker Abbas

Discontent is brewing in the House of Representatives following allegations that some lawmakers are plotting to move against Speaker Abbas Tajudeen over claims of being denied certain privileges.

The grievances, which have largely played out on lawmakers’ WhatsApp platforms, center on complaints of exclusion and neglect. According to reports, several lawmakers are upset over their alleged sidelining in a recent National Assembly recruitment exercise, where 785 new staff were reportedly hired without their knowledge.

In addition, frustration is mounting over delays in payments to contractors handling constituency projects, with some members accusing the leadership of poor transparency and favoritism.

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They alleged that loyalty to the Speaker was being exploited and vowed to confront him at plenary. Others warned that non-payment of constituency project contractors could erode their chances of re-election in 2027.

Also, a section of the lawmakers also faulted the poor performance of the national budget, its selective implementation by the executive, and the worsening insecurity in the North.
However, the House dismissed reports of a plot against the Speaker.

In a statement on Sunday, spokesman Akin Rotimi described the reports as “misleading and sensational,” insisting that informal exchanges on WhatsApp cannot be mistaken for official caucus resolutions.

Rotimi clarified that the recruitment exercise was conducted by the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), an independent statutory body, and not by the House leadership.

He added that Speaker Abbas had already directed the Committee on Public Service Matters to investigate the process.

“Contrary to insinuations of an impending showdown, the House remains united under Speaker Abbas Tajudeen. Informal conversations are normal in a vibrant democracy but cannot represent official positions,” Rotimi said.

He said that the 10th Assembly has sustained unity despite Nigeria’s diverse political, ethnic, and religious composition, with consensus-building as its hallmark.

On delayed contractor payments, Rotimi noted that the challenge was national, not peculiar to lawmakers’ projects, adding that the Appropriations Committees were engaging the Minister of Finance to clear outstanding 2024 obligations.

The House is expected to reconvene on September 23 after its annual recess.

(DailyTrust)