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‘We’re Not Tinubu’s Lapdogs’ – Minority Caucus Fires Salvo at HoRs Spokesman Over Security Misrepresentation
Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives, has taken a swipe at the House Spokesperson, Akin Rotimi Jnr, threatening to petition the Committee on Ethics and Privileges following his alleged misrepresentation of its position on insecurity and economic hardship in the country.
Rotimi was alleged to have responded to concerns earlier raised by the Minority Caucus, stressing that the responsibility of addressing Nigeria’s challenges is a collective one that cuts across party and caucus lines.
He noted that the concerns raised the Minority Caucus reflect genuine public anxieties and highlight the need for sustained vigilance, coordinated action and collaboration among all arms of government.
Rotimi noted that Nigeria’s security challenges did not arise overnight and cannot be solved through isolated interventions.
He said the National Assembly, in collaboration with the Executive and security agencies, has continued to strengthen the country’s security architecture through legislation, budgetary allocations and oversight functions.
He also pointed to ongoing military and security operations across various parts of the country, including efforts to dismantle criminal networks, rescue kidnapped victims and restore stability in affected communities.
The House spokesperson maintained that lawmakers, regardless of political affiliation, have constitutional tools at their disposal to influence reforms and strengthen national responses to security challenges.
He further reminded the Minority Caucus that it remains part of the legislative arm of government and shares responsibility for improving national security outcomes.
But in a reaction, the Minority Caucus rejected the position canvassed by Rotimi, insisting that the legislature must continue to hold the Executive accountable.
Specifically, the Caucus in a statement by its spokesperson, Afam Ogene, said Parliament must never become a “lapdog” of the Executive, stressing that opposition lawmakers would continue to speak on behalf of Nigerians.
Ogene argued that the constitutional duty of the National Assembly includes scrutinising the actions of the Executive, particularly on issues of insecurity and economic hardship.
He accused the House spokesperson of exceeding his mandate by responding on behalf of the entire House and alleged that his actions violated established parliamentary procedures and undermined the rights and privileges of members.
The Minority Caucus also questioned why Rotimi chose to defend the Executive, despite the existence of official spokespersons within the Presidency, describing the move as one that reinforces public perceptions that the 10th House is overly aligned with the Executive arm of government.
The caucus demanded a public apology from the House spokesperson and warned that failure to do so would result in a formal petition to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges for appropriate action.