The House of Representatives has responded to calls by its Minority Caucus for President Bola Tinubu to either prioritize addressing Nigeria’s security and economic challenges or resign from office, insisting that lawmakers share responsibility for solving the nation’s problems.
In a statement issued on Friday by House spokesman, Akin Rotimi, the Green Chamber acknowledged the country’s security concerns but cautioned opposition lawmakers against reducing complex national issues to political rhetoric.
The response followed remarks made by Minority Caucus leader, Fred Agbedi, during a press conference on Wednesday, where he accused President Tinubu of focusing on his 2027 re-election ambitions while Nigerians grapple with insecurity, kidnappings, killings, and economic hardship.
“The life of every Nigerian matters. Politics must take the back seat when the nation bleeds. We must secure Nigeria first. President Tinubu must suspend all 2027 political activities and declare a six-month national security and economic recovery plan. Lead or leave,” Agbedi had stated.
Reacting to the comments, the House maintained that Nigeria’s security challenges have developed over many years and cannot be resolved through simplistic or immediate measures.
According to Rotimi, while significant challenges remain, security agencies have continued to record progress in dismantling criminal networks, rescuing abducted victims, and improving security operations across parts of the country.
The House further reminded members of the Minority Caucus that lawmakers possess constitutional powers to enact laws, approve budgets, and exercise oversight over government institutions, making them active participants in governance rather than mere observers.
The statement emphasized that parliamentarians should channel their concerns into practical legislative initiatives and oversight actions capable of strengthening national security and improving citizens’ welfare.
“Security remains a shared national responsibility that transcends political affiliation. Our duty as Parliament is not only to express concern but to ensure such concerns are translated into effective legislative and oversight actions that strengthen national security,” the statement read.
The House stressed that national security is a collective responsibility and should not be approached through partisan divisions, noting that all lawmakers, regardless of political affiliation, are jointly accountable for addressing the country’s challenges.
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