The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. (Dr) Philip Agbese, has said the leadership of the Speaker, Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has demonstrated exceptional passion for Nigerians and good governance.
Agbese said the 10th House of Representatives has proven to be distinct from others with its relationship with the executive and the handling of the 2024 Appropriation Bill.
Reacting to President Tinubu’s budget presentation to a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, he noted that the Speaker has handled issues relating to the citizens’ welfare in a manner that has endeared him more to his colleagues and Nigerians at large.
Agbese said under the leadership of Speaker Abbas, the House gave accelerated consideration to the supplementary appropriation bill due to the hardship in the nation.
The Deputy Spokesman said Abbas made his priorities clear with his Legislative Agenda from his first day in office.
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Agbese said unlike in the past when the two chambers engaged in avoidable confrontation over the budget, the process has been smooth so far.
The Benue lawmaker further said this is due to Abbas’ maturity, integrity, and purpose-driven leadership which has resonated with the masses.
Agbese, however, warned that in line with the Speaker’s Legislative Agenda, only Ministries, Departments, and Agencies that made judicious use of their resources this year will receive allocation in the 2024 budget.
He said the era of rewarding mediocrity, negligence, and dereliction is now in the past.
“I’m proud of the 10th House of Reps. I’m even more thrilled with the achievement of the leadership led by Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas.
“For the first time in a long while, we have gotten it right. The House of Representatives has a leadership that not only understands the job but is passionate about fellow citizens.
“Today, we received Mr President who showed absolute faith in the Speaker and the 10th House, especially as it concerns synergy. The manner Speaker Abbas has coordinated affairs truly portrays a man who is in touch with reality and the common man.
“Simple yet detailed, pragmatic and down-to-earth. Our Speaker exhumes friendship and progress. He has this beautiful way of communicating with his colleagues and the Presidency.
“The 2024 Appropriation Bill was well received and will be looked into. One thing that I can assure Nigerians is that Speaker Abbas will thoroughly monitor the budget with speed.
“We recall how the N5 billion for the controversial yacht was spotted in the supplementary budget and replaced by student loan. Expect such level of meticulousness in the 2024 budget,” he said.
