Reps Debunk Report Of ‘Impending Showdown’ Ahead of Resumption 

…Vow To Investigate Alleged Lopsided Appointments By NASC

…Address Concerns On Constituency Projects Execution, Payment To Contractors

By Alkassim Bala Tsakuwa, senior correspondent, Abuja

The House of Representatives has debunked reports of an impending showdown with its leadership when it resumes from its long recess in September.

The House Spokesperson, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr made the position known in a statement on Sunday while reacting to a report by a national daily which allegedly reported that, some members are planning to stage a showdown with the House leadership over some issues.

He stated that, the attention of the House was been drawn to a report published by Leadership Newspapers on August 30, 2025, which was built on “isolated remarks and informal conversations from House WhatsApp groups as if they represent the official position of any House caucus or the House itself”.

According to the Spokesperson, contrary to the insinuations of an impending “showdown,” the House remains united under the leadership of the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen.

Hon. Rotimi Jr said, “With 360 members from every part of Nigeria, across diverse political, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, the House reflects the nation’s full heterogeneity”.

He noted that, while members of the House are free to express opinions in both formal and informal settings on matters affecting their constituencies and privileges, such expressions when reported, especially when not balanced by differing viewpoints, do not constitute resolutions or positions of any caucus.

The Spokesperson added that, 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 adding that, informal conversations are normal in a vibrant democracy but cannot represent official positions.

He further added that, 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.

He said, “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”.

He informed that, the issue of recruitment into the National Assembly bureaucracy, is the sole responsibility of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) which is a statutory and independent body.

The lawmaker added, “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 Spokesperson further reiterated that, its leadership remains steadfast in upholding transparency, inclusiveness, and fairness in its constitutional mandate of lawmaking, oversight, and representation.

He added, “Members are urged to support this process in the collective interest of the institution and the nation”.