The House of Representatives has reaffirmed its confidence in Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, while dismissing reports of internal divisions as misleading.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the House Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., the Green Chamber described a report by Leadership Newspapers on August 30, which suggested a looming “showdown” in the legislature, as inaccurate and sensational.

According to the House, informal discussions or remarks by individual lawmakers,whether in WhatsApp groups or private conversations, should not be mistaken for official caucus positions or resolutions of the chamber. “Informal conversations are normal in a vibrant democracy but cannot represent official positions,” the statement read.

The 10th Assembly, the statement noted, has remained united under Speaker Abbas, despite its diversity of 360 members drawn from different political, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. The House emphasized that decision-making is guided by parliamentary procedures, consensus building, and inclusiveness.

Addressing concerns raised in the report, the House acknowledged ongoing issues with delayed contractor payments, noting that they are a nationwide challenge and not peculiar to constituency projects. It said the Leadership, through the Appropriations Committees, has engaged the Finance Minister, and payments have begun to ease the situation.

The statement also clarified that recruitment into the National Assembly bureaucracy is handled exclusively by the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), an independent statutory body. Nonetheless, Speaker Abbas has directed the House Committee on Public Service Matters to investigate the recent recruitment exercise to ensure fairness, federal character, and inclusiveness.

On allegations of regional bias in development, the House dismissed such claims as “false, divisive, and unhelpful,” stressing its commitment to equity, justice, and fairness.

“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,” Rotimi stated.

The House assured Nigerians that it remains focused on resuming plenary on September 23, 2025, with renewed commitment to its constitutional duties of lawmaking, oversight, and representation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.