Opposition Lawmakers Threaten Petition Against House Spokesman Over Remarks

Tensions within the House of Representatives have escalated as the Minority Caucus accused the House Spokesman, Hon. Akin Rotimi, of misrepresenting its position on national insecurity and worsening economic hardship, warning that failure to retract his comments within 72 hours could trigger a formal petition to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the caucus spokesperson, Hon. Afam Ogene, the opposition lawmakers demanded a public apology, insisting that Rotimi’s remarks amounted to a distortion of the Minority Caucus’ position and contempt for its members.

The dispute stems from comments credited to Rotimi on Friday, in which he responded to concerns raised by opposition lawmakers over insecurity and hardship in the country, stressing that members of both the Majority and Minority Caucuses share collective responsibility for governance outcomes.

Rotimi had argued that Parliament as a whole bears responsibility for lawmaking, oversight, and appropriation, adding that the duty to strengthen institutions and support effective policy implementation is a shared legislative obligation rather than one divided along partisan lines.

However, the Minority Caucus rejected that position, insisting that the constitutional role of the legislature is to hold the Executive accountable, not to defend it.

The lawmakers cited past political statements, including remarks attributed to President Bola Tinubu while in opposition, to reinforce their argument that “the buck stops at the President’s table,” stressing that Parliament must not “look away when the country bleeds.”

“The Caucus declares, unequivocally, that Parliament is not, and will never be, a lapdog of the Executive,” the statement read, adding that lawmakers would continue to speak for Nigerians regardless of political alignment.

The Minority Caucus also accused the House Spokesman of procedural overreach, faulting his use of the phrase “House Notes,” which they described as misleading and inconsistent with parliamentary practice.

According to the caucus, no plenary sitting or resolution had been held since the House last met on Monday, 15 June 2026, and therefore no collective position could have been authorised on the matter.

They maintained that while the Spokesman may represent the Speaker or House leadership, he lacks the mandate to speak for the entire chamber or misrepresent the Minority Caucus.

The statement further warned that such conduct risks undermining public confidence in the legislature and weakening institutional checks and balances.

“This conduct reinforces public perception of the 10th House as an appendage of the Executive,” the caucus said, citing Sections 14(2)(b) and 88 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandate Parliament to ensure accountability and expose inefficiency and corruption.

The lawmakers also raised concerns over budget implementation, alleging that defence and security-related agencies have recorded less than 30 per cent execution since 2024.

“There is a direct correlation between the non-payment of local contractors, breakdown of operational logistics, and escalating insecurity across the country,” the statement added.

At an emergency virtual meeting held on Friday, 19 June 2026, the Minority Caucus unanimously resolved to demand a public apology from the House Spokesman within 72 hours, warning that failure to comply would lead to a petition before the Ethics and Privileges Committee.

The caucus also said it would formally raise concerns over delayed implementation of the national budget, particularly in relation to security funding constraints, when plenary resumes.

“The Minority Caucus will keep speaking out for Nigerians, as the Constitution demands,” the statement concluded, insisting that its position reflects parliamentary duty rather than partisan conflict.