The deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has declared that Nigeria’s lower legislative chamber has become a global benchmark, drawing the attention of powerful democracies like the United States and the United Kingdom.
Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State, made this known on Thursday in Abuja during the conclusion of the second edition of the House of Representatives Open Week.
He described the event as “a revolutionary blueprint for global legislative engagement.”
The 2025 edition of the programme was themed, ‘Deepening Citizens’ Trust and Participation: Celebrating Our Journey as the People’s House.’
“It is so beautiful that my friends from America, the UK, and other parts of the world have informed me that the US congress, the British house of commons, and other internationally respected parliaments are now sending their representatives to Nigeria to study how the house of representatives is doing it,” Agbese said.
“Nigeria’s parliament has become a reference point globally. That is the legacy speaker Abbas is building.”
Applauding the event as “a masterstroke of democratic innovation” and “the gold standard in legislative-citizen engagement,” Agbese credited Speaker Tajudeen Abbas with transforming the House into a global model of openness and legislative excellence.
“Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has not only raised the bar. He has redefined what legislative leadership should look like in the 21st century,” he said.
“This open week initiative is a stroke of political genius. It is bold, people-centred, and historically significant. Never before has any Nigerian speaker demonstrated such unwavering commitment to openness, accessibility, transparency and the democratic spirit as Hon. Abbas Tajudeen.”
Agbese noted that the House, under Abbas’ leadership, is not only fulfilling promises but institutionalising citizen participation and restoring public confidence in the legislative process.
“That the world is now turning to Nigeria to learn is a testament to speaker Abbas’ visionary leadership.
“He has placed our legislature in the league of the most open and progressive in the world. This is not just a programme. It is a movement, a national renaissance of trust in democratic institutions.”
He described Abbas as “a rare gift to this nation and a torchbearer for a new democratic ethos,” adding that the 10th House has moved beyond rhetoric to real, impactful governance.
“Speaker Abbas has inspired a new generation of Nigerians to believe again in the legislature. Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has given us a model, not just for legislative transparency, but for responsive leadership.”
Concluding his remarks, Agbese hailed Abbas as *“the architect of a new parliamentary culture, one that prioritises people over power, dialogue over distance, and transparency over tradition.”
“I have received calls from colleagues across the political divide, as well as from members of the diplomatic corps, civil society, and constituents across Nigeria.
“The verdict is unanimous. This is the house of the people, and the people are being heard. This is not mere symbolism.”
