From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has said the de-robing of the former Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, was in line with international parliamentary practice.
Ndume was dethroned as the Chief Whip of the Senate following a petition by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, for criticizing President Bola Tinubu.
This is even as he noted that the 10th National Assembly was working with President Bola Tinubu to rebuild the trust of Nigerians.
Agbese, who addressed journalists yesterday in Abuja, said the House’s decision to cut their salaries by 50% showed members’ solidarity with Nigerians and sacrifice to support the economic hardship and hunger in the nation.
“Some persons do not have the understanding of the parliament and the executive as two parallel lines of necessity.
“Members of the House of Representatives are carrying out their duties with the highest level of maturity, thanks to Mr. Speaker’s pro-Nigeria posture to leadership,” he said.
Agbese cautioned Ndume to “embrace the principles of teamwork and collaboration, rather than seeking to divide and distract the government from its laudable reforms.”
He also urged Ndume to “support the President and the National Assembly in their efforts to rebuild broken trust and deliver on their campaign promises to Nigerians.”
Agbese assured Nigerians that President Tinubu and the National Assembly will not fail the nation.
He said: “We are committed to working together to address the challenges facing our country, and we will not be distracted by individual interests or personal agenda
“We appreciate the support and trust Nigerians have placed in us, and we will continue to work tirelessly to justify that trust.”
He added: “Mr President feels the pains of our constituents as if they all live in the house with him.
“This is evident in the recent reforms being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture to address hunger and food security in the country.
“Since the inception of this dispensation, the executive and legislature have collaborated seamlessly, passing several landmark bills and resolutions that have positively impacted the lives of Nigerians.
“These bills have addressed long-standing issues in diverse sectors and enhanced the nation’s economic growth.
“The 10th National Assembly has been instrumental in supporting the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and their collective efforts have yielded remarkable results.
“The 10th National Assembly has demonstrated a high level of maturity and patriotism in their legislative duties.
“Their commitment to the nation’s progress is laudable, and we appreciate their support in our efforts to rebuild the trust and correct the failures of the past.
“The 10th National Assembly is working tirelessly to correct the failures of the past, including the inability of previous assemblies to pass critical legislation.
“We are committed to learning from the mistakes of the past and charting a new course for our nation’s growth and development.”
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