The Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Phillip Agbese, has dismissed claims made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that the National Assembly determines its own remuneration.
In a statement released on Sunday titled “Baba Obasanjo is Always Right and Wrong: 10th House of Representatives Totally Different from His Era,” Agbese emphasized that the current House of Representatives, under Speaker Tajudeen Abass, operates with the highest levels of accountability and transparency.
The Benue lawmaker expressed concern that Obasanjo was using past experiences to judge the current Parliament. “I am bold to say the very respected former President is right and wrong because of the things that transpired between him and the National Assembly during his time as President,” Agbese stated.
He acknowledged that Obasanjo may have faced challenges during his presidency, but emphasized that the current House is committed to serving the interests of the poor masses.
Agbese further noted that “No one can be more sanctimonious about the welfare of the people than Rt. Hon Tajudeen Abass. We mean what we say and everything that we do as a parliament. The era of narrow interests is over. We are here for our people and their collective interest.”
The House Spokesman also alleged that there were instances during Obasanjo’s tenure where he attempted to influence the National Assembly to support unconstitutional positions.
“That informed his decision to amend the Constitution through the backdoor, which was rejected by the majority. That alone shows that apart from the few bad eggs which the former President had in the parliament as collaborators, the majority were still men and women of good conscience who couldn’t sell their country for a pittance,” Agbese remarked.
In response to allegations of members of the National Assembly receiving N100 million and N200 million, Agbese dismissed the claims, arguing that no such actions have occurred under the current administration.
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He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is totally different from all past presidents in so many ways. He is getting our support out of sheer diplomacy and consultation. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a product of partnership and collaboration.”
Agbese urged Obasanjo to focus more on traditional media rather than relying on social media hoaxes. He reiterated that the current House of Representatives is committed to supporting Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The Deputy Spokesman also highlighted Speaker Tajudeen Abass’s dedication to due process and accountability, describing him as “an Apostle of due process and accountability” who has earned the respect of members for his commitment to excellence and probity.
