Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives Philip Agbese has urged federal lawmakers to ensure that parliamentary activities are not used to advance the interests of outside political actors as the 2027 elections approach.
Agbese made the statement while reacting to calls by some legislators for the National Assembly to suspend its recess because of insecurity and unpaid obligations to contractors handling constituency projects.
He said the concerns raised by the lawmakers were legitimate but questioned the timing of the demand.
Agbese warned that parliamentarians should avoid creating the impression that they were acting on behalf of political interests outside the legislature.
He acknowledged that unpaid contractors remained an issue that deserved attention and should not be ignored.
The deputy spokesman also defended the record of the National Assembly against claims that it merely approves executive proposals.
He cited ongoing work on state police as an example of an initiative that had already been developed by lawmakers before the executive introduced a related proposal.
According to Agbese, the executive bill should be viewed as an opportunity to harmonise both positions rather than evidence that the legislature was following the presidency.
He said coordination between both arms of government could prevent duplication and unnecessary expenditure.
Agbese maintained that parliament should continue pursuing legislation that responds to public needs while preserving its institutional independence.
