The Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Tajudeen Abbas has promised that in the days ahead, the House will be more committed to its obligations.
He made the disclosure in his address welcoming members from their 2027 annual recess.
He said that the months ahead will be brief, and the demands of the political season will be considerable.
” I call on every Member to attend plenary and committee sittings faithfully. Legislation and oversight must not be abandoned for the campaign trail. Our constituents elected us for a full term, and they deserve a full term of service”.
The final phase of an Assembly reveals its character. This is when political interests sharpen and attention begins to shift elsewhere. We must remain focused.
” Let the record show that the Tenth House completed its priority legislation, strengthened oversight, and served the Nigerian people until the final day of its mandate”. Mr. Abbas said.
He noted that the House resumed at a consequential moment as political activity is increasing.
The timetable for the 2027 general elections is in place. Candidates have emerged, campaigns have begun, and Nigerians are watching their political leaders and democratic institutions closely.
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“Our conduct must justify their confidence. Debate may be vigorous, but it must remain responsible. Political competition must not displace our constitutional duties”.
“These gains are encouraging, but the work is incomplete. Our task is to convert greater economic stability into affordable food, productive employment, accessible credit and dependable public services”. He said.
He noted that investor confidence in Nigeria is also improving as new commitments are emerging in ports, power, agriculture and industry.
Mr. Abbas also announced that in the course of the recess, the House received with grief reports of abducted schoolchildren in Borno, attacks and displacement in parts of Ondo, and destructive floods and erosion in Enugu and Abia.
“We stand with every family that has lost a loved one, a home or a livelihood. The affected communities require prompt relief and lasting protection. Our security agencies will continue to receive the support they need, while remaining accountable for the resources and authority placed in their hands”. He said.
The Speaker reinstated that on 29 September, the House extended the capital component of the capital components of the 2025 Appropriation Act to 31 December.
” We took that decision to protect ongoing projects and prevent the waste of public investment. The extension must produce faster implementation and measurable results. It must not excuse further delay. The House will continue to examine releases, timelines and performance”. He said.
Mr. Abbas announced that the political season has brought realignments and defections across party lines which is common in an active democracy.
” We must neither fear them nor become consumed by them. Whatever our political affiliations or personal ambitions, we remain members of one House. We are bound by one Constitution and one oath. The campaign must never become more important than the country.”. He added.
