Ahead of the House of Representatives’ resumption today, indications have emerged that lawmakers are set to protest over issues surrounding budget implementation and unpaid constituency projects embarked upon since 2024.
The lawmakers are worried about losing political ground in their constituencies because constituency projects since 2024 have not been adequately attended to.
According to an exclusive insight into a gathering of the angry lawmakers, the parliamentarians lamented that local contractors who executed projects in their constituencies have not been paid since 2024.
They noted pressure from their constituents over the projects and expressed fear that such a situation might cost them a return to the parliament in the 2027 election.
The lawmakers also resolved to mount pressure on Speaker Tajudeen Abbas over their being at the receiving end of the poor implementation of the budget.
Other issues raised by the aggrieved lawmakers are disparity in allocations for constituency projects. They lamented that while some lawmakers got N19 billion, others got as low as N1 billion.
They also threatened to object to the presentation of the 2026 budget proposal in protest over the poor implementation of the 2024 and 2025 budgets.
But the House leadership explained to LEADERSHIP that lawmakers do not have direct contractual engagements with contractors handling constituency projects.
The Deputy House Spokesman, Hon Philip Agbese, said the projects are managed by the relevant government agencies tasked with project implementation.
He, however, added that the House will ensure diligent oversight of the budget to ensure its full and effective implementation.
He said the leadership is actively advocating a constructive dialogue between the Ministry of Finance and indigenous stakeholders involved in executing these projects.
LEADERSHIP reports that members of the National Assembly, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives, went on their annual legislative recess in July.
The lawmakers are expected to reconvene today, 23 September 2025.
areas, especially since others are not complementing his efforts.
“The minority leadership, which ideally should be the moral compass and voice of balance, has instead prioritised personal interest over collective responsibility. In times when fairness and courage are most needed, they have chosen silence, self-preservation, and convenience. The recruitment of 800 National Assembly staff is a clear example. If the minority leadership had raised concern, possibly we would be carried along.
“It’s disappointing, but not surprising. Our people are watching — and history will remember who stood for truth, justice, and service.
“The 10th Assembly is gradually coming to its end but a lot is expected to be done,” he lamented.
Another lawmaker also faulted the House leadership’s attitude towards the welfare of members, noting that it smacks of cowardice.
“I swear, if not for the humility of the Speaker and my getting mature with age, what happened in the Senate in the 8th Assembly will repeat itself here, even if I have to go solo.
“Let me use this medium to tell all those bootlickers to continue to screenshot messages from platforms to send to whatever. They come to platforms to talk tailored words, so they can screenshot both – just to prove their own cowardice. This is a battle to finish for me.
“This leadership MUST secure payments for our 2024 and 2025 budgets, and N2bn (for constituency projects) is not negotiable for 2026. If not, there will be crisis.
“Once we resume, we will confront them. There is nothing left for us but to face reality.
“The sycophants and cowards may continue clapping and secretly massaging their egos, but we will not remain silent any longer,” the angry member added.
Constituency Projects Handled By MDAs, Not Lawmakers – House Leadership
The Deputy House Spokesman, Hon Philip Agbese, said, “As lawmakers, we do not have direct contractual engagements with contractors handling constituency projects, as these are managed by the relevant government agencies tasked with project implementation.
“Our primary focus, as representatives of the people, remains the state of the nation’s economy and the diligent oversight of the Appropriation Bill we passed to ensure its full and effective implementation.
“We are actively advocating for peace and constructive dialogue between the Ministry of Finance and indigenous stakeholders involved in executing these projects. It is our hope that through cooperation, an amicable resolution will be reached to address any outstanding issues and ensure that all parties fulfil their obligations for the benefit of our communities.
“We remain optimistic that under President Tinubu’s leadership, the 2025 budget will be implemented comprehensively within its lifespan,” he said.
Credit: Leadership