Abbas, Reps Leadership Not Under External Influence – Spokesperson

House of Representatives has debunked media reports that speaker Tajudeen Abbas and entire leadership of the house is under external influence or pressure over appointment of chairmanship and deputy chairmanship of its standing committees.

Deputy chairman, special ad-hoc committee on media, Ikenga Ugochinyere made the claim in a statement on Sunday.

The member, representing Ideato Federal Constituency of Imo State, said the reports and rumours are false, as the selection committee set up by speaker Abbas will do a fair, just and competent work without any external influence.

He assured the 10th House led by Abbas is carrying the interest of the 360 members in the selection of lawmakers that will head the various committees.

Ugochinyere said, “I assure you, the reports going around social media that the leadership is under external influence or pressure over appointment of chairmanship, deputy chairmanship of its standing committees are false. It’s not true at all.

“Mr Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen had last month constituted a Selection Committee to recommend members for appointment as members of House Standing Committees.

“The Selection Committee, which is headed by him, has one member each from the 36 States. The committee members are competent and they are doing their job with fairness and justice in mind.

“The 10th House led by Hon. Tajudeen Abbas is carrying the interest of 360 members, in the selection of lawmakers that will head the various committees or be Members. So, I appeal to the masses to disregard any report of external influence or pressure, and allow the committee members to do their job.”