The House of Representatives has responded to its Minority Caucus following their calls for President Bola Tinubu to focus on insecurity or resign.
In a press statement signed by House Spokesman Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr. on Friday, the House acknowledged the safety concerns but reminded opposition lawmakers that they are part of the government and share the responsibility of fixing the country’s problems.
The response comes after the minority caucus, led by Minority Leader Fred Agbedi, held a press conference on Wednesday. Agbedi had accused President Tinubu of focusing on his 2027 re-election campaign while citizens face killings, kidnappings, and economic hardship.
Agbedi stated, “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.”
In its reply on Friday, the House stated that Nigeria’s security challenges did not happen overnight and cannot be solved with quick fixes. The statement noted that while challenges still exist, security agencies are making steady progress in destroying criminal networks and rescuing kidnapped victims.
The House leadership reminded the Minority Caucus, pointing out that lawmakers have actual constitutional powers to make laws and control budgets, meaning they should offer real solutions instead of just complaining publicly like activists. It said that parliament is jointly accountable for national security, noting that the obligation is “a shared one, not one divided along caucus lines.”
“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.”
Ihonvbere added, “The strength of the House lies in its unity of purpose, even amid differing perspectives. Majority or Minority, we are bound by the same constitutional responsibility to the Nigerian people.”
The House said it will keep working closely with the executive arm and security agencies, stressing that Nigeria’s security troubles will ultimately be defeated through real institutional discipline and financial investments rather than through rhetoric alone.
