Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Assembly, claims that the former president has been intimidated and screamed at in the past when he stood before a joint session of the National Assembly to deliver a budget estimate.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Agbese claimed that, unlike previous Assemblies, the 10th House of Representatives, led by Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has been comparatively peaceful.
During a press conference following the House’s resumed plenary, Hon. Agbese noted the significant contrast between the current Assembly and previous ones, which have been defined by internal disagreements and strained ties between the executive and legislative branches.
“The towering leadership qualities of Mr. Speaker, RT. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (Ph.D), has accounted for the peace, unity, and tranquility the House currently enjoys, as well as the harmonious working relationship with the executive and the MDAs thereunder,” stated Hon. Agbese.
Agbese further noted that the House, under Speaker Abbas, has departed from the era of internal conflicts and wasted time on unproductive crises.
Agbese, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, commended the maturity exhibited by Speaker Abbas in handling parliamentary affairs.
He attributed the successful passage of the 2024 Budget in record time to the efficient leadership of Speaker Abbas.
He explained,
“There were times in this country when the President was bullied and yelled at when he appeared before a joint session of the National Assembly to present a budget estimate.
“It does not mean that the Parliament is rubber-stamped; it simply means the Lawmakers put the general interest of the people far above personal interests and both arms of government respect their boundaries in balancing their powers.”