Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, recently spoke on the removal of Ali Ndume, the former Chief Whip of the Senate. Agbese emphasized that this action was consistent with global parliamentary standards.
Ndume’s removal came after a petition from the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, who criticized Ndume for speaking against President Bola Tinubu. Agbese highlighted that the 10th National Assembly is collaborating with President Tinubu to regain the trust of Nigerians.
In a press conference in Abuja, Agbese mentioned that the decision by the House to reduce their salaries by 50% was a gesture of solidarity with the Nigerian people, acknowledging the economic hardships and hunger they face.
“Some people do not understand that the parliament and the executive function as parallel yet necessary entities,” Agbese stated. He praised the House of Representatives for performing their duties with maturity, attributing this to the Speaker’s leadership focused on Nigeria’s best interests.
Agbese urged Ndume to adopt a cooperative and team-oriented approach instead of creating divisions that could distract from the government’s significant reforms. He called on Ndume to support the President and the National Assembly in their mission to rebuild trust and fulfill campaign promises.
Assuring the public, Agbese said, “President Tinubu and the National Assembly are dedicated to addressing the country’s challenges and will not be swayed by personal agendas.”
He continued, “We deeply value the support and trust of Nigerians and are committed to working hard to justify it.”
Agbese noted that President Tinubu is empathetic towards the citizens’ struggles, evident in the recent agricultural reforms aimed at tackling hunger and ensuring food security. Since this administration took office, there has been smooth cooperation between the executive and the legislature, resulting in several significant bills and resolutions benefiting Nigerians.
“These bills have addressed longstanding issues across various sectors and have spurred economic growth,” Agbese added. He highlighted the crucial role of the 10th National Assembly in backing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, pointing out that their combined efforts have achieved notable results. The Assembly’s maturity and patriotism in legislative matters are commendable, and their support is vital in rebuilding trust and correcting past failures.
“The 10th National Assembly is working diligently to amend previous shortcomings, including the failure of past assemblies to pass essential legislation. We are dedicated to learning from past mistakes and steering our nation towards growth and development,” Agbese concluded.
