News
Dr. Abbas and 10th National Assembly, What to expect
BY Obute James
The 10th National Assembly and President Ahmed Bola Tinubu Administration will be significant and unique in several ways as this is the first time in the history of Nigeria that a former lawmaker will be President, Vice President, Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff.
This is also the first time in the history of Nigerian Parliament that a lawmaker who sponsored highest number of bills will emerge as the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Dr. Abbas sponsored 75 bills in the 9th National Assembly while Mr. President assented to 21 of them, the highest Private Member Bills by an individual lawmaker to be signed into law in the history of Nigerian Parliament.
Traditionally, during inauguration of the legislators, the Clerk to the National Assembly conducts
the election in the Senate where the President and Deputy President of the Senate will emerge. He will then swear-in these two presiding officers and other 107 senators before proceeding to the House of Representatives to conduct the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
However, with the recent amendment of the House of Representatives Rules which allow the Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly to conduct the election in the absence of the Clerk, the elections of the presiding officers of the two Chambers can be conducted simultaneously. This indicates that whatever is the outcome of election in the Senate will have minimal or no effect in the election in Green Chamber.
In 2015, the preferred candidates of the APC for the principal positions in the Senate and House of Representatives did not emerge during the inauguration of 9th National Assembly due to several factors including the one mentioned above.
The emergence of Abubakar Bukola Saraki from Kwara State (North Central) as Senate President paved the way for the emergence of Yakubu Dogara from Bauchi (North East) to emerge as Speaker of the House of Representatives because the then ambition of Ahmad Lawan from Yobe State (North East) had been thwarted. As a result of that, lawmakers from the North East in the House of Representatives had to withdraw from the camp of Femi Gbajabiamila and pitch tent with Dogara’s camp, having lost the opportunity to produce the Senate President.
Several things had changed since then including the approach of the ruling party’s NWC and Presidency which allow enough time for consultations before the inauguration of 10th National Assembly.
The ruling party on May 8 ahead of the Inauguration of 10th National Assembly announced the preferred candidates for the principal positions. They are Godswill Akpabio, Jibrin Barau, Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu for Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives respectfully.
Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, a one time lecturer was first elected as a representative of Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State under the platform of Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, a political party that merged with other political parties to form All Progressives Congress, APC ahead of 2015 general election.
In 2015, Tajudeen was re-elected under the platform of APC. He was also given the mandate to represent his people in 2019 and 2023 due to his landmark achievements.
Since Abbas’ emergence as a representative of Zaria Federal Constituency, there is hardly any ward in his constituency that did not feel his impact in every legislative session, (2011 to 2015; 2015 to 2019 and 2019 to 2023) in respect of constituency projects and programmes.
Though National Assembly Service Commission, takes the responsibility of paying salary and allowance of legislative aides, (about 5 to 7 aides) of each legislator, Dr. Abbas on his own has over 50 people (including less- privileged people) on his personal pay roll which he pays periodically.
This is apart from from various constituency projects like rural & urban electrification (provision and installation of transformers), provision of portable drinking water (solar powered boreholes), grant to youths and women for empowerment, provision of ICT centres and scholarship to students both within and outside the country, among others
Despite the fact that only few people are allowed to work as aides to a Member or a Senator (apart from principal officers) base on National Assembly Service Commission’s rules, the appointment of Abbas’ aides is spread across the geo-political political zones.
The immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, recently at a function at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja in an interface with Members-elect said unlike other House committee chairmen where their deputies always complained bitterly about their actions (negligence and inability to carry them along), Hon. Abbas’ Deputy on Land Transport Committee, surprised him when he came pleading that Abbas should be given support for the position of the Speaker of the House of Representatives because of his good leadership qualities.
Gbajabiamila also noted that a Member of the House of Representatives, Christian from Southern Kaduna nominated Abbas as the Caucus Leader of Kaduna Reps Members.
Abbas also recently hinted that the House of Representatives will be dynamic under his leadership if elected as the Speaker.
Tajudeen Abbas said the appointment of statutory and standing committee chairmen and their deputies will be based on merit (discipline and experience. According to him, the number of deputy committee chairmen will be increased and they will be relevant in the committee activities.
Dr Abbas journey’s to the office of the Speaker, seems to become easy due to the withdrawal of major contenders from race. Courtesy of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima as well as Abbas’ consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Abbas in display of his humility did not only meet with leadership and chieftains of the governing APC but also met with leadership and chieftains of the opposition parties, these include former presidents, governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, clergymen among others.
Though Dr Abbas is expected to unfold his agenda either before the inauguration or after if he emerges as the Speaker, the legislative business in the House of Representatives will never remain the same.
Obute James is a Journalist and Public Affairs Analyst.
Rugby School Nigeria, the newest international school of the esteemed Rugby School Group, is set to open in September 2025 in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.
To celebrate this significant milestone, an exclusive launch event was held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos, attracting over 100 distinguished guests and key stakeholders from the education, government, business sectors, and diplomatic communities.
At the official launch event on March 19, 2025, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Jonny Baxter highlighted the significance of Rugby School Nigeria stating:
“Rugby School Nigeria exemplifies one of the best of UK-Nigeria collaborations, bringing another world-class British education institution to the heart of Lagos. Situated in the dynamic Eko Atlantic City, a symbol of Nigeria’s ambition and innovation, this school is poised to further shape future leaders in a rapidly evolving global landscape.”
Rugby School Nigeria will initially open its doors for Sixth Form students (ages 16-18) in September 2025, with boarding facilities set to be available from September 2026. The Senior School (ages 11-16) will launch in September 2026, offering a broad and engaging curriculum that prepares students for IGCSEs and future academic success.
Founding Principal of Rugby School Nigeria, Dr Adam England expressed his enthusiasm:
“Rugby School Nigeria will offer an exceptional education that nurtures both intellectual growth and character development guided by the Rugby School ‘Whole Person, Whole Point’ philosophy. Students will benefit from a comprehensive A-Level programme, preparing them for top universities worldwide, alongside the Rugby 360 programme, which fosters leadership, community engagement, and personal development.
Our state-of-the-art facilities will include science labs, creative arts spaces, and world-class sporting facilities.”
Founded in 1567, Rugby School is one of the world’s most prestigious UK boarding schools, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and character development. With established sister schools in Thailand, Japan, and now Nigeria, Rugby School continues to expand its global impact, offering transformative educational experiences to students worldwide.
Dr England added, “We are excited by the substantial interest we have already received, with numerous parents’ meetings taking place daily at our offices.”
Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Olajide Ipinsagba Emmanuel has scored himself high in terms of constituency projects deliveries to his constituents.
Speaking in an exclusive interview in his office with journalists, he said “he facilitated Agricultural Training Programs for youths and existing farmers, equipping them with modern techniques to enhance productivity, distributed fertilizers to farmers to address critical agricultural challenges, ensuring increased output and improved local food security.
“Constructed and fully equipped a modern health centre in Akunnu-Akoko, ensuring access to quality healthcare for the community, distributed health equipments and materials to the State Specialist Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, thereby strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving health outcomes.”
“Trained and Empowered Women and Youth in Confectioneries. He organised training in cake baking and other confectioneries, followed by the disbursement of start-up grants to empower beneficiaries to establish their businesses. Training of women on soap making with start-up funds.
In the same vein, he organized ICT training programs for youths, distributed HP Core i7 laptops, and provided start-up grants to promote innovation and employment in the tech sector.
“Trained youths in tailoring, provided sewing machines, and disbursed start-up grants to enhance self-reliance and job creation. Constructed a 1.5-kilometer road in Oka-Akoko, improving connectivity, facilitating economic activities, and easing transportation for farmers and traders. Spearheaded the construction of the Ikare Modern Civic Center, which serves as a hub for cultural, social, and civic engagements. Facilitated the construction of 28 lock-up shops in Oka -Akoko, providing a conducive environment for entrepreneurs and boosting local commerce.
Dist. Sen. Olajide who is passionate about education, distributed free JAMB forms to students across the Senatorial District, enabling many young people to pursue higher education without financial barriers.
Also, he sponsored a bill for the establishment of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) University in Ikare-Akoko. A public hearing was successfully held on December 28, 2024, reflecting progress toward establishing this vital institution for skill development and education. Lighting up towns and villages with Solar Panels including Adekunle Ajasin University.”
These achievements underscore his commitment to fostering development in agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, he also prioritizes accountability and efficiency in national projects, which directly impacts the equitable allocation of resources to Ondo North Senatorial District and Ondo State at large.
Moreso, he empowered Small Businesses through skill acquisition programmes and provision of lock-up shops, he has laid the groundwork for entrepreneurship to flourish within the district. Strengthening Youth Engagement, by bridging the gap between education, technology, and employment. He is equipping youths with the tools necessary to thrive in the modern economy.”
Edo State Government has lashed at the factional chapter of the caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party and the appointed publicity secretary, Chris Nehikhare, for rushing to the press without first understanding the subject at hand.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua in Benin and made available to journalists said, Nehikhare’s latest press release was another embarrassing display of ignorance, completely missing the point Governor Monday Okpebholo raised.
The Governor was referring to the $10 million that Godwin Obaseki budgeted for The Observer Newspaper shortly before the 2024 governorship elections in Edo State, not the refurbished equipment bought from ‘Ogbete Market’ in Enugu State.
Obaseki, a portfolio scam artist, who presided over the looting of Edo’s commonwealth, hurriedly siphoned $10 million, using The Observer Newspaper as a conduit, barely a few days to the governorship election in Edo State in late 2024.
Nehikhare’s desperate attempt to twist the conversation is not just misleading but exposes the habitual dishonesty of the PDP.
On the issue of the so-called “sophisticated machines,” Nehikhare conveniently ignores the real concern—these overused and inefficient machines now require billions of naira to function properly. Obaseki may have procured them at a roadside market, but he left behind a financial burden that the present administration must now clean up.
More troubling is Nehikhare’s confused outrage about the sacking of Observer staff. How does he expect those no longer employed to be available at the premises? His logic is as flawed as the policies of the administration he blindly defends.
Instead of this laughable attempt at deflection, Nehikhare should explain why, in his final days, Obaseki found it necessary to allocate a staggering $10 million to a State-owned newspaper that is practically invisible on newspaper stands across the State and country—at a time when critical sectors like education and healthcare remained underfunded.
If Nehikhare wishes to debate the facts, he should do so with accuracy, not fiction. But then again, fiction seems to be the PDP’s favourite tool.
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