Abbas’ leadership averted crises in house of reps, says Philip Agbese
Philip Agbese, deputy spokesperson of the house of representatives, says the leadership of Tajudeen Abbas, the speaker, averted chaos in the parliament in 2025.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, Agbese said Abbas steered the green chamber through political and institutional challenges that could have destabilised the legislature.
He described 2025 as a defining year for the 10th house, noting that pressures from within and outside the parliament tested its cohesion and leadership.
Agbese said Abbas handled pressures with restraint, consultations and strict adherence to parliamentary procedure, ensuring that internal disputes did not spiral into crises.
Despite the many challenges we encountered in 2025, speaker Abbas justified his leadership,” he said.
“He demonstrated 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 issues that might have fractured previous assemblies were managed carefully under Abbas’ leadership, with the institution placed above personal or sectional interests.
“There were matters in 2025 that, in the past, would have broken the unity of the house. But under speaker Abbas, those issues were contained because he prioritised the institution,” he said.
He cited the controversy surrounding alleged alterations in the gazetted tax laws as a significant test of leadership.
Agbese said Abbas acted swiftly after the issue was raised on the floor of the house by setting up a seven-member ad hoc committee to investigate the matter.
He added that Abbas, alongside Senate President Godswill Akpabio, directed the clerk of the national assembly to begin the process of re-gazetting the laws to ensure they align with what lawmakers approved.
“The leadership of the national assembly responded with institutional sobriety, not defensiveness. Verification, certification and transparency were activated. That is not weakness — it is the essence of legislative strength,” Agbese said.
The house deputy spokesperson also referenced the controversy over recruitment into the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), describing it as another delicate moment for the house.
“The NASC employment issue almost turned the parliament against itself. Emotions were high, and pressure was intense, but the Speaker handled it with wisdom and maturity, preventing chaos,” he said.
On concerns about members’ welfare and constituency projects, Agbese said Abbas adopted a transparent approach rather than confrontation to resolve the issue.
