By Ed Malik, A | ed@ddnewsonline.com | posted Ocotober 3rd, 2024
In Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 64th Independence Day national broadcast, national honours were conferred on several notable Nigerians, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
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However, the House of Representatives swiftly rejected the honour conferred on Speaker Abbas, citing unfairness and a lack of equity.
The crux of the House’s discontent stems from the disparity in the honours conferred. Akpabio and Kekere-Ekun were awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), while Abbas and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau received the lesser honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR). The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, was awarded the Commander of the Order of Niger (CON).
During a session convened following an urgent motion by Hon. Philip Agbese, the House emphasized that the two legislative chambers are constitutionally equal.
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The motion, endorsed by all 360 members, called for the abolition of terms like “upper” and “lower” chambers, stressing the need for equal recognition of both legislative leaders. This motion underscored the House’s view that its role and status should be treated on par with the Senate.