Amid economic reforms, political shifts, and the challenges of democratic consolidation in 2025, the leadership of Nigeria’s National Assembly faced intense national scrutiny.

Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Rep. Philip Agbese, praised Speaker Abbas Tajudeen for steering the 10th House through a turbulent year, asserting that the Speaker emerged tested but strengthened, successfully preserving unity and public confidence in the legislature.

In an interview on Wednesday, Agbese described 2025 as a defining period, marked by high-stakes controversies, institutional pressures, and politically sensitive decisions.

“Speaker Abbas proved that leadership is not about convenience, but about standing on truth and making sacrifices for the collective good of the institution and the country,” Agbese said, calling him “a pillar of stability” when tensions ran high both in parliament and across the nation.

Agbese cited key challenges, including the controversy over alleged alterations to gazetted tax laws. The matter, raised by Hon. Abdulsammad Dasuki, prompted Speaker Abbas to establish a seven-member ad-hoc committee to investigate discrepancies and report back to the House. Collaborating with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Speaker also directed the re-gazetting of the laws to reflect what lawmakers had passed accurately.

“The response of the National Assembly was not defensive; it was institutional and transparent. Verification, certification, and accountability are the very essence of legislative strength,” Agbese noted.

Other challenges included recruitment disputes in the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), which threatened to divide the House. Agbese said Speaker Abbas handled the matter with wisdom, dialogue, and adherence to due process, preventing chaos.

On issues affecting constituents, including members’ welfare and delays in constituency projects, Abbas prioritized engagement and transparency, ensuring grievances were addressed without confrontation.

Agbese also highlighted the House’s role in the Rivers State state-of-emergency declaration, saying Speaker Abbas ensured decisions strictly followed constitutional provisions, preventing partisan or regional polarisation.

“Throughout 2025, the House positioned itself as a stabilizing force in Nigeria’s democracy, even amid economic reforms and heightened public expectations,” Agbese said.

He concluded, emphasizing that Speaker Abbas passed every test of leadership not for personal glory, but to safeguard the stability of the House and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

“As we move into 2026, the House remains committed to deepening democracy and improving governance,” Agbese added.