No Disquiet in House of Reps Over Non-payment for Constituency Projects, Alleged Lopsided Recruitment into NASS- Spokesman  

The House of Representatives has denied that there is a build up for confrontation with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Abbas Tajudeen over “selective” payment for constituency projects contracts.

In a response to a report published by LEADERSHIP newspaper, the spokesman of the House, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr distanced the House from any perceived disquiet insisting that discussions of members in a WhatsApp group does not amount to the decision of the House of Representatives.

In his statement, the spokesman also denied that the leadership of the House played a role in the recruitment of new staff members by the management of the National Assembly.

Hon. Rotimi Jr clarified that, “On the issue of recruitment into the National Assembly bureaucracy, 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. The process follows principles of Federal Character, inclusiveness, and merit, ensuring fair representation of Nigerians across states and geopolitical zones.”

 

Acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations of the lopsided recruitment, the spokesman revealed that, “in line with its oversight mandate, the Speaker has directed the House Committee on Public Service Matters, which oversees the National Assembly Commission, to conduct a thorough investigation of the recruitment exercise and report back to the House.”

 

Speaking on the accusation of selective contract payments, Hon Rotimi Jr. stated that “Some issues referenced in the report conflate genuine concerns with sensationalism. Delayed contractor payments are a national challenge and not peculiar to the constituency projects nominated by Honourable Members. 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.

“Honourable Members face pressure from constituents expecting nominated projects to be implemented in line with participatory development. The Leadership stresses that, in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, constituency projects are essential for extending government presence nationwide. While these agitations are valid, they must be understood within current fiscal realities and not misrepresented.

The two chambers of the National Assembly is currently on annual recess with the House of Representatives billed to reconvene on Tuesday September 23, 2025.

 

The full statement reads:

 

 

The attention of the House of Representatives has been drawn to a report published by Leadership Newspapers on August 30, 2025, which elevates isolated remarks and informal conversations from House WhatsApp groups as if they represent the official position of any House caucus or the House itself.

 

Contrary to insinuations of an impending “showdown,” the House remains united under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, Speaker of the House. With 360 members from every part of Nigeria, across diverse political, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, the House reflects the nation’s full heterogeneity.

 

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. The House operates according to established parliamentary procedures, through which caucus leaders, committees, or individual Members may formally table issues for the leadership or, where necessary, for debate and resolution by the entire chamber. Informal conversations are normal in a vibrant democracy but cannot represent official positions.

 

It is to the Speaker’s credit that, despite this diversity, the 10th Assembly has remained united, reaching common positions on national issues through consensus building and allowing every Member a voice. The House remains focused on preparing for resumption on September 23, 2025, with renewed commitment to national priorities.

 

Some issues referenced in the report conflate genuine concerns with sensationalism. Delayed contractor payments are a national challenge and not peculiar to the constituency projects nominated by Honourable Members. 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.

 

Honourable Members face pressure from constituents expecting nominated projects to be implemented in line with participatory development. The Leadership stresses that, in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, constituency projects are essential for extending government presence nationwide. While these agitations are valid, they must be understood within current fiscal realities and not misrepresented.

 

On the issue of recruitment into the National Assembly bureaucracy, 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. The process follows principles of Federal Character, inclusiveness, and merit, ensuring fair representation of Nigerians across states and geopolitical zones. However, in line with its oversight mandate, the Speaker has directed the House Committee on Public Service Matters, which oversees the National Assembly Commission, to conduct a thorough investigation of the recruitment exercise and report back to the House.

 

Suggestions that development is “unfairly concentrated” in any one region are false, divisive, and unhelpful. The House operates on principles of equity, justice, and fairness. Internal disagreements are addressed through established parliamentary mechanisms, not speculative newspaper reports.

 

While the report is largely misleading, it highlights the tone and focus of conversations among Members who continue to prioritise and advocate on issues directly affecting citizens and constituencies, including project implementation, equitable employment opportunities, and the security of lives and property.

 

The House Leadership remains steadfast in upholding transparency, inclusiveness, and fairness in its constitutional mandate of lawmaking, oversight, and representation. Members are urged to support this process in the collective interest of the institution and the nation.

 

Signed:

 

Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr.

Spokesman, House of Representatives