After being elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas dismissed any notions that he would serve solely the interests of the executive arm of government. At a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, shortly after his election, he pledged to challenge the executive when necessary.
A popular new leader, Abbas was elected by over 300 members of the House of Representatives across party lines, demonstrating a high level of trust and public acceptance. Addressing the issue of his emergence, Abbas said, “the impact of social media propaganda of some of the contestants distorted the entire picture on the ground…Today, people have seen a record that has never been established in the past. 353 out of 359 members elected us. It is unprecedented, it has never ever happened in Parliament”.
Concerns that the House under Abbas’ leadership would become a “rubber stamp” organization, the Speaker stated that the House would always aim to ensure the interests of the public are looked after. Abbas indicated that he would work towards separating the independence of the National Assembly when necessary, but would also maintain a balance between relations with the executive and guarding the sanctity of the National Assembly to ensure impartiality.
