A brewing crisis is unfolding in the House of Representatives as members prepare to confront Speaker Dr. Tajudeen Abbas when the House reconvenes on September 23, 2025, investigations by Weekend LEADERSHIP have revealed.

Several lawmakers are reportedly compiling what they describe as the “iniquities” of the Speaker and the House leadership, alleging that Abbas and his team have short-changed members in the allocation of privileges.

The National Assembly, comprising the Senate and House of Representatives, is currently on its annual legislative recess, which was declared on July 23. During the recess, lawmakers are expected to engage in constituency work and monitor federal projects in their areas.

However, investigations indicate that some irate House members are using the recess to form caucuses to discuss issues affecting their welfare and legislative influence. Tensions reportedly escalated following the induction of 785 new National Assembly staff from Grade Levels 8 to 12.

Lawmakers expressed outrage over the recruitment, which they claim occurred without their input. “How can the National Assembly Commission employ over 800 new staff without members’ knowledge to even nominate from their constituencies?” one lawmaker queried. Another commented sarcastically, noting that leadership’s candidates were among those recruited. “We have lost our rights to loyalty; a lot of things are going on in NASS without considering members’ interests,” one representative lamented.

In addition to recruitment grievances, members are reportedly agitated about budget performance, selective funding of projects, and insecurity, particularly the killings in northern Nigeria. One caucus facilitator stated: “We must confront the non-performing budget, the selective funding of projects, and the unfair concentration of development in the South-West while other regions are left behind. The daily killings in the North are a stain on our nation’s conscience. Silence is no more an option.”

Nevertheless, the discussion over the alleged concentration of projects in the South-West generated internal friction. Some members urged moderation, warning that highlighting regional disparities could politicize the movement and weaken unity. Others emphasized that the primary purpose of their discussions should focus on member welfare, budget implementation, and local contractor engagement.

Concerns were also raised regarding the inability of some lawmakers to attract meaningful projects to their constituencies, which could affect their re-election prospects in 2027. One member urged colleagues to collectively put pressure on local contractors to ensure projects translate into visible achievements.

Attempts to get a response from the House leadership were unsuccessful. Calls to the spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, went unanswered, and messages via SMS and WhatsApp were reportedly ignored.

Sources close to the leadership, however, questioned the lawmakers’ grievances, noting that insufficient funds for budget implementation are not unique to the House. They further advised that lawmakers have proper channels, such as motions on the House floor or press briefings, to express their concerns. “If they cannot do that, they are cowards,” a source said.

As the September 23 resumption approaches, the House of Representatives faces the prospect of a high-stakes showdown between Speaker Abbas and a faction of discontented members, with both internal politics and public scrutiny intensifying.

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