Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) ‘anointed candidates’ for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, held a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The meeting took place shortly after the inauguration of the 10th leadership of the National Assembly, scheduled for June 13, 2023.
After the meeting, Abbas expressed optimism about becoming the next Speaker of the House of Representatives, with Kalu as his deputy, starting from June 13.
He stated that their visit to the Presidential Villa was to congratulate President Tinubu on his election victory and his inauguration on May 29.
Abbas dismissed suggestions that the 10th assembly would be a mere rubber stamp, asserting that the 360 members could not be manipulated to act against the national interest.
He emphasized that the independence of the legislature would be maintained under their leadership.
Abbas and Kalu focused their discussions with President Tinubu on the country’s challenges, particularly economic and social issues, as well as the government’s plans, including fuel subsidy reforms.
They did not engage in talks regarding their opponents in the race for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions.
Addressing concerns about being anointed to be rubber stamps for the executive, Abbas highlighted the productive relationship between the ninth assembly and the executive, stating that the legislature had accomplished significant achievements.
He emphasized that the National Assembly could not be coerced into acting against the public’s best interests.
Kalu added that they aimed to establish parliamentary sovereignty while recognizing interdependence among the three arms of government.
He emphasized the need for impartiality, ensuring that decisions are not driven by sentiments and emotions.
The policies they intend to implement will reflect the needs of the Nigerian people. They also stressed the importance of institutional trust to strengthen democracy.
The forthcoming leadership of the 10th House of Representatives is poised to bring about a collaborative and people-oriented approach to governance, aligning with the aspirations of President Tinubu and the Nigerian public.
