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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives has said there is no plan by members to move against the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, over recent recruitment of staff by the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), and non-payment of contractors handling Constituency Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIP).
Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, in a statement yesterday, said the speaker has directed a probe of the recruitment of new staff by NASC.
Rotimi, who was reacting to a media report about alleged discontent by members over the recruitment of 785 staff by the NASC without their inputs, and the stalling of their ZIP, also known as Constituency projects, said members were free to express themselves on issues of concern to them and their constituents.
The report had indicated that members were warming for a showdown with the House leadership, who they perceived as not protecting their interests in the recruitment of new staff.
Nevertheless, the spokesman said the views of the individuals on any issue does not amount to the resolution of any of the caucuses in the Green chamber.
“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.”
The spokesman dismissed insinuations that development is unfairly concentrated in a particular region as false and divisive.
“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,” he stated.
