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The Deputy Spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has pledged the readiness of his colleagues to continuously support the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, in his quest to lead the 10th House to deliver on its Legislative Agenda.
Agbese who lauded the Speaker’s ‘humility’ since destiny propelled him to the leadership of the Green Chamber in June 2023, added that Mr Abbas’ legislative intelligence and resolve to carry members along regardless of party affiliations, is responsible for the unity in the House.
In an interview with PUNCH Online on Thursday, the Benue lawmaker noted that though lawmakers in the House were elected on the platform of eight different political parties, the unity in the legislative chamber is non-negotiable.
“People have asked me the secret to the unity in the House but what I tell them is this: The Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives is a humble leader, whose kind is very rare in this part of the world. We are fully behind him because his leadership is infectious.
“Unlike what obtained in the past where members were divided along party lines, we are one in our determination to make governance count for Nigerians. All lawmakers whether they came to the House on the platform of APC, PDP, APGA, LP, SDP, ADC or YPP are unanimous in their belief that through effective legislation, our people back home can be happier than they are today.
“Our legislative agenda is tailored to addressing the key issues of governance. Every time, the Speaker reminds everyone that we cannot afford to take our eyes off this manual, specifically designed to make Nigeria better for our citizens. It takes a man of impeccable legislative intelligence to stay true to the noble call for effective legislation and representation like the Speaker is doing.”
Agbese further commended the Speaker’s swift response to humanitarian crises which rocked the Northern part of the country recently, adding that even while serving in the academia, Mr Abbas has not taken off his coat of humanity.
“You recall the speed with which he dispatched a delegation to Maiduguri to commiserate with victims of the flooding which led to the unfortunate loss of lives and properties? What about the fire incident in Jigawa a few days ago? There are many incidents to add to this list. All I can say is that members will continue to support its leadership as it is anchored on selflessness, togetherness, unity and oneness,” he added.
In what appeared a veiled reference to the alleged cracks in the Senate, Agbese said members do not need to pass a vote of confidence on the Speaker to assure him of their support and loyalty.
“The Speaker has members’ confidence till our last day in the parliament. We are different from the Senate in terms of political operations and synergy,” he stressed.
