Minority Caucus Accuses House Spokesman Rotimi of Overstepping, Demands Apology
The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives accused Chairman Akin Rotimi of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs of speaking for the entire House while defending the Executive branch, a claim they say lacks authorization. In a Saturday statement by spokesperson Afam Ogene, the caucus said Rotimi’s response to their Wednesday press conference—where they urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend 2027 political activities and launch a six‑month National Security and Economic Recovery Plan—misrepresented the House’s position as aligned with his own. They stressed that no House resolution supported Rotimi’s stance and noted the House has not convened since June 15, so no collective mandate exists. Citing constitutional Sections 14(2)(b) and 88, they asserted their duty is to hold the Executive accountable, not to act as a ‘lapdog’ to the presidency. Following an emergency virtual meeting on June 19, the caucus demanded a public apology from Rotimi within 72 hours, warning they would petition the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges if he refuses. Beyond the procedural dispute, the caucus lamented that budget implementation has stalled since 2024, leaving funding for key defence and security agencies below 30%, which they say weakens the nation’s ability to address security threats. Will Rotimi’s apology restore legislative independence, or will the standoff deepen the rift between the National Assembly and the Presidency?