2025 Was A Defining Year For Reps – Deputy Spokesperson

The deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has said Speaker Abbas Tajudeen emerged stronger in 2025 after navigating a series of political, institutional, and leadership challenges that could have fractured the Green Chamber.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, Agbese described 2025 as a defining year for the 10th House, noting that while the legislature faced intense pressure from within and outside, the Speaker “stood as a pillar of truth, sacrifice and stability.”

The lawmaker representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo federal constituency of Benue state, said the House remained firmly committed to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

“Despite the many challenges we encountered in 2025, Speaker Abbas justified his leadership. He proved that leadership is not about convenience, but about standing on truth and making sacrifices for the collective good of the institution and the country,” Agbese said.

According to him, issues that would have torn the House apart in previous assemblies were managed by Speaker Abbas with high-level restraint, consultation and strict adherence to parliamentary rules, ensuring that unity was preserved.

“There were issues in 2025 that, if they were to be in the past, would have broken the unity of the House. But under Speaker Abbas, those issues did not escalate because he placed the institution above personal or sectional interests,” he said.

Agbese cited the raging controversy over alleged alterations to the gazetted tax laws, which are said to differ from what the National Assembly approved, as one of the challenging tests of leadership for the Speaker.

He, however, said that the Speaker has so far displayed leadership in the handling of the matter, since it was raised on the floor of the House by Hon. Abdulsammad Dasuki.

“As you are aware, Mr Speaker acted swiftly by setting up a 7-man ad-hoc committee to investigate the matter and report back to the House for further legislative action.

“Besides, the Speaker, alongside the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has equally directed the Clerk to the National Assembly also to commence the process of re-gazetting the tax laws to ensure they align with what has been approved by the National Assembly. This shows responsive leadership.

“The National Assembly, as the custodian of legislative authority, has responded not with defensiveness or evasion, but with institutional sobriety. The leadership of both Chambers has activated the very safeguards that give law its moral and legal force: verification, certification, and transparency. This is not an act of weakness. It is the essence of legislative strength”, he said.

Agbese also referred to issues surrounding the recruitment into the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) as another delicate moment for the House during the year.

“The NASC employment controversy almost turned the parliament against itself. Emotions were high, interests were conflicting, and pressure was intense. But the Speaker handled it with wisdom and maturity, ensuring that the House did not descend into chaos,” he said.

He added that the Speaker consistently emphasised due process and dialogue, preventing the issue from degenerating into an institutional crisis.

On members’ welfare and constituency project concerns, Agbese said the Speaker Abbas-led leadership again demonstrated patience and understanding, even as lawmakers voiced frustrations.

“Members’ welfare and constituency projects are sensitive issues. They touch directly on our responsibilities to our constituents. Speaker Abbas ensured that these matters were addressed through engagements and transparency, rather than confrontation,” he said.

Agbese also pointed to the handling of the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State as a significant test of leadership, stressing that the House under Speaker Abbas acted strictly within constitutional and procedural boundaries.

“On the issue of the state of emergency in Rivers State, our rule book was our guiding principle. Speaker Abbas ensured that emotions were set aside and that decisions were taken in line with the Constitution and the Standing Orders of the House,” he said.

According to him, the Speaker’s approach helped prevent the issue from polarising lawmakers along partisan or regional lines.

“He managed it in a way that preserved the integrity of the House and reaffirmed our commitment to constitutionalism,” Agbese added.

The Deputy Spokesperson stressed that the House of Representatives remains determined to play its role as a stabilising force in Nigeria’s democracy.

“The House of Representatives is determined to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy. That resolve was evident throughout 2025, even in the face of challenges, and as we return in 2026, we hope to do more in deepening our democracy”, he said.

Agbese described Speaker Abbas as a leader who understands the weight of institutional responsibility.

“Speaker Abbas has shown that leadership is about service, sacrifice and accountability. In 2025, he passed every test placed before him, not for personal glory, but for the stability of the House and the progress of our democracy,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the Speaker’s leadership style going into 2026 and beyond would continue to guide the House through future challenges, reinforcing its role as the people’s parliament.