In a bold move, the House of Representatives on Wednesday rejected the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) honour that President Bola Tinubu announced for Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during his Independence Day speech. Instead, the House has called on the President to elevate the honour to the rank of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), asserting that the office of the Speaker holds a higher constitutional status than that of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who is slated to receive the GCON honour.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Deputy Spokesperson of the House, Philip Agbese, alongside 248 co-sponsors, during plenary in Abuja. Agbese argued that the National Assembly, as enshrined in Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), is a bicameral legislature comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives. Both chambers, he stressed, are constitutionally equal, and the leadership of the House deserves an honour commensurate with its stature.
Read Also: Renowned Cleric Urges Prayers for Matawalle, General Musa in Fight Against Banditry
Agbese stated, “The Speaker of the House of Representatives holds a position that is equal in status to the President of the Senate. The honour conferred on the office should reflect that equality, especially in comparison to the Chief Justice of Nigeria.”
The motion, which passed overwhelmingly, reflects the growing call for recognition of the legislative arm’s independence and the significance of its leadership in national affairs. The House now awaits a response from President Tinubu regarding the proposed honour.