Tax Law Controversy: Agbese Says Speaker Abbas Passed All Leadership Tests in 2025

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has been praised by the House of Representatives’ Deputy Spokesperson, Philip Agbese, for his leadership in navigating a number of institutional and political obstacles that would have caused the Green Chamber to fall apart in 2025.

Agbese called 2025 a pivotal year for the 10th House of Representatives in an interview on Wednesday.

He claimed that despite strong pressure from both inside and outside the legislature, the House remained together and dedicated to bolstering Nigeria’s democracy under Abbas.

“Speaker Abbas justified his leadership despite the numerous difficulties we faced in 2025. He demonstrated that leadership is about upholding the truth and making sacrifices for the institution’s and the nation’s overall welfare, not about convenience, according to Agbese.

He emphasized a number of significant topics that put the Speaker’s leadership to the test, such as the dispute over purported changes to gazetted tax regulations and recruitment into the National Assembly Service Commission, or NASC.

Agbese claims that Abbas maintained unity and institutional integrity by handling these delicate issues with moderation, deliberation, and rigorous adherence to legislative procedures.

“Mr. Speaker acted swiftly by setting up a seven-member ad hoc committee to investigate the matter and report back to the House,” Agbese stated in reference to the tax code controversy. In order to bring the tax laws into compliance with National Assembly approval, he also instructed the Clerk to re-gazette them. This demonstrates responsive leadership and a dedication to openness.

Agbese also pointed to Abbas’s management of constituency projects, members’ welfare, and the state of emergency in Rivers State as additional proof of his steadfast and moral leadership.

“Service, sacrifice, and accountability are key components of leadership. Speaker Abbas passed every challenge put in front of him in 2025 for the stability of the House and the advancement of our democracy, not for his own glory, he claimed.