Reps Respond to Minority Caucus: “You Also Have Responsibility to Fix Nigeria”

The House of Representatives has issued a response to its Minority Caucus after the caucus called on President Bola Tinubu to either address the country's insecurity or resign.

In a press statement signed by spokesman Akin Rotimi 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.

Rotimi’s statement followed remarks by minority caucus leader Fred Agbedi at a press conference on Wednesday.

During the conference, Agbedi accused President Tinubu of prioritising his 2027 re‑election campaign while citizens faced killings, kidnappings 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 said.

Responding on Friday, the House said that Nigeria’s security challenges did not arise overnight and cannot be solved with quick fixes.

The statement noted that, although challenges remain, security agencies are making steady progress in dismantling criminal networks and rescuing kidnapped victims.

It also reminded the Minority Caucus that lawmakers possess actual constitutional powers to enact laws and control budgets, meaning they should offer real solutions instead of merely voicing complaints publicly like activists.

According to the green chamber, parliament is jointly accountable for national security, emphasising that the obligation is shared, not 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,” it said.