In a significant move that has garnered praise from the House of Representatives, President Bola Tinubu has conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The awarding of this honor was celebrated as a rectification of what the House described as a “significant historical oversight,” particularly in light of previous awards that demarcated a hierarchy between the two chambers of the National Assembly. This decision by the President came after the House had adopted a motion asserting its constitutional equality with the Senate, following the earlier award of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. By upgrading the Speaker’s title to GCON, Tinubu’s administration has sought to eliminate perceived disparities and reinforce the principle of parity between the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The Speaker expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for taking what he considered corrective action against past administrations that failed to recognize the House’s constitutional status. Abbas acknowledged that the President’s decision highlighted a commitment to justice, fairness, and democratic values. He emphasized that this correction serves to elevate the status of the House of Representatives to be equal to that of the Senate in the eyes of both the Nigerian populace and the global community. The Speaker viewed this recognition as an affirmation of the significance of the House and expressed appreciation for the President’s responsiveness to the calls from within the House as well as from concerned citizens.
The matter came to a head following a House resolution, which was spurred by a motion put forth by member Philip Agbese and supported by a substantial majority of over 249 members. The resolution called for reparative measures to resolve the longstanding discrepancy regarding the national honors bestowed upon the leadership of the two chambers. It aimed to align the recognition of the Speaker with that of the Senate President and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, thereby underscoring a commitment to uphold constitutional equality and legislative integrity. This concerted effort by the lawmakers was not merely about titles but about reinforcing respect for institutional roles as defined in the Nigerian Constitution.
Further elucidating the House’s standpoint, spokesman Rotimi Akin stated that the push for this correction was not driven by personal ambition but was grounded in the imperative of institutional integrity and constitutional propriety. The House sought to dispel the misconception that it was subordinate to the Senate, arguing that such a notion contradicted the constitutional design that establishes both chambers as co-equal legislative authorities. Through the actions taken, the House has emphasized that both bodies must be recognized equally, thereby promoting a balanced legislative environment.
The resolution’s adoption marked a pivotal moment of unity among House members, reflecting a collective desire to assert their rightful place in Nigeria’s political landscape. This move is seen as a testament to the dedication of lawmakers to uphold the tenets of democracy and respect for every branch of the legislature. By advocating for enhanced recognition of their leadership, the members of the House are keen to ensure that the roles they play in the governance of the nation are duly acknowledged and respected, as well as promoting the essential checks and balances that underpin the democratic system.
In conclusion, President Tinubu’s conferment of the GCON on Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has been celebrated as a historic and necessary correction that affirms the equality of the two legislative chambers in Nigeria. This action not only addresses an inequity that has persisted through various administrations but also serves as a foundation for fostering an environment of mutual respect and cooperation among the branches of government. By promoting institutional integrity and aligning national honors to reflect constitutional realities, both the House and the President are taking strides toward a more equitable legislative process and democratic governance in Nigeria.
