Focus More on Credible Platforms Instead of Fueling Baseless Claims on Social Media, House of Reps Tackles Obasanjo

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Rep. Philip Agbese, has publicly criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his recent allegations that lawmakers are involved in fixing their own salaries and allowances while accepting monetary benefits from the executive.

Rep. Agbese, in a statement issued on Sunday, described Obasanjo’s claims as baseless, asserting that the current 10th House of Representatives operates differently from what was experienced during Obasanjo’s presidency. He emphasized that the current House is committed to transparency and accountability, distancing itself from practices alleged by Obasanjo.

The former president had stirred controversy by labeling the act of lawmakers determining their pay as “immoral.” He argued that such matters should be handled by the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Responsibility Commission, rather than by the legislators themselves.

“You are not supposed to fix your salaries or allowances; it is supposed to be done by the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Responsibility Commission,” Obasanjo stated. “It is immoral, and you are doing it; the Senate is doing it.”

In response, Agbese noted that Obasanjo’s criticisms are outdated and not reflective of the current administration. He argued that Obasanjo is wrongly using past experiences to judge the present House of Representatives, which operates under a different leadership and ethos.

“Under Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, we have maintained the highest level of accountability,” Agbese said. “The former president is using past incidents to make unfounded accusations against a House that is committed to serving the people.”

Agbese also addressed allegations of large sums of money being given to National Assembly members by the executive. He firmly denied these claims, stating that no such payments have been made under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He lauded Tinubu’s leadership style, describing it as one built on diplomacy and collaboration, contrasting it with Obasanjo’s tenure.

Agbese further highlighted that Speaker Abbas is leading the House with a strong commitment to due process and public accountability. He asserted that the current leadership of the House and Senate is different from the past, with a focus on national interest over narrow political gains.

The Deputy Spokesperson concluded by urging Obasanjo to refrain from spreading misinformation and to recognize the positive changes in the governance of Nigeria’s legislative body.

“Obasanjo should focus more on credible platforms rather than fueling baseless claims on social media,” Agbese added.

The clash between Agbese and Obasanjo follows the former president’s remarks during a recent interaction with House members in Abeokuta, where he criticized lawmakers for allegedly awarding themselves hefty allowances, including “papers allowances” and “seating allowances.” Obasanjo also alleged that some lawmakers received unauthorized payments from the executive, claims that have been strongly denied by the current House leadership.