By Tensions are rising in the House of Representatives as lawmakers prepare to confront Speaker Tajudeen Abbas when the chamber resumes on September 23, 2025 allegedly.
Several lawmakers, angered by recent staff recruitment and what they call inequitable sharing of privileges, are mobilizing against the House leadership during the ongoing legislative recess.
The immediate trigger is the induction of 785 new National Assembly employees in Abuja on August 24. The ceremony, led by Deputy Clerk Engineer Bashir Yero on behalf of Clerk Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana, caught many lawmakers by surprise.
Angry members, writing on the House’s WhatsApp forum, questioned why they were excluded from the recruitment process. “How can over 800 people be employed without members even aware, let alone nominating from their constituencies?” one lawmaker fumed. Another alleged that the leadership quietly inserted its own candidates.
Some accused Abbas of sidelining loyal members and vowed to confront him on the floor when plenary resumes.
Fear of Losing Political Ground
Lawmakers also expressed concern that their inability to secure jobs or projects for their constituencies is weakening public support ahead of the 2027 elections. “We have lost our rights to loyalty. Not even one slot for my constituency,” one frustrated member wrote.
Wider Discontent
The grievances go beyond recruitment. A caucus of lawmakers has also raised alarm over poor budget implementation, selective project funding, and worsening insecurity in the North.
In a message to colleagues, one member wrote: “We must confront the non-performing budget, the unfair concentration of development, and the killings in the North. Silence is no longer an option.”
However, attempts to frame the debate as a regional issue sparked backlash. Some warned that singling out the South-West would divide members and derail the movement. “The purpose is members’ welfare and constituency funding. We cannot afford distractions,” one lawmaker cautioned.
Leadership Silent
Efforts to reach House spokesperson Akin Rotimi were unsuccessful. But a source close to the leadership defended the recruitment, saying due process was followed.
“What exactly is their grievance? Are they saying Nigerians without connections should not be employed? There are proper channels to raise complaints, not WhatsApp groups,” the source said.
