Philip Agbese (LP, Benue), has said the 10th National Assembly is taking the lead in initiating bills and policies designed to address the needs of Nigerians, contrary to claims that lawmakers merely endorse proposals from the executive. On the proposed state police, Agbese said the initiative originated from the National Assembly and had been under consideration for some time. Agbese also reacted to the recent calls by some lawmakers for the National Assembly to suspend its recess because of pressing national challenges, including insecurity and the non-payment of contractors handling constituency projects. He explained that the leadership of the National Assembly was engaging the executive through parliamentary diplomacy to resolve the matter. Agbese also dismissed allegations that the leadership of the House routinely takes critical decisions without the required quorum.