The harmonious working relationship between the two chambers of the National Assembly is threatened by yesterday’s motion on equality with the Senate, passed by the House of Representatives.
The Green Chamber faulted the award of national honour to Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, higher than the one awarded to Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.
They argued that the speaker is higher than the CJN in order of state protocol.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his Independence Day broadcast awarded the second highest national honour – Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) – to Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The third highest national honour – Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) – was awarded to Speaker Tajudeen.
The House said the Speaker’s honour should be upgraded to GCON which befits his status as “co-chairman” of the National Assembly.
It faulted the description of the Senate President as the Chairman of the National Assembly.
In a resolution following a motion of urgent importance by Phillip Agbese (APC, Benue), the House said while the office of the Speaker is higher in rank than that of the CJN, it shares the same status with the Senate President.
It therefore sees no reason for the Speaker to get a lesser title than what was given to the Senate President and the CJN.
The motion was seconded by Abubakar Makki Yalleman (APC, Jigawa).
