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Speaker Tajudeen Abbas Announces Defections at Tuesday Plenary.
Two members of the House of Representatives have defected from the opposition parties to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
TJ News Nigeria reports that Speaker Tajudeen Abbas officially announced the defections during plenary on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
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Peter Akpanke, who represents Obanliku/Obudu/Bekwara Federal Constituency in Cross River State, left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to align with the APC. Similarly, Paul Nnamchi, the lawmaker representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency in Enugu State, also dumped the Labour Party (LP) for the APC.
The reasons behind their defections were not immediately disclosed during the plenary.
House Considers Extension of 2024 Capital Budget
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Meanwhile, a bill seeking to amend the 2024 Appropriation Act has passed second reading in the House of Representatives. The proposed amendment aims to extend the implementation period of the capital component of the 2024 budget until December 31, 2025.
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TJ News Nigeria gathered that Speaker Abbas explained the rationale for the extension, stating that a significant portion of the capital budget remains unfunded. He noted that the extension would allow for better implementation of capital projects once funds are available.
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Tinubu Withholds Assent to National Assembly Library Bill
In a related development, President Bola Tinubu has written to the House of Representatives, notifying lawmakers of his decision to withhold assent to the National Assembly Library Trust Fund Establishment Bill.
According to the President, the proposed legislation conflicts with existing laws and poses financial implications that may not align with national interest. Tinubu further cited funding concerns as a key reason for rejecting the bill.
The development comes amid broader concerns over national revenue allocation and the prioritisation of federal expenditures.
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