Abbas Hails Retiring Reps’ Clerk Over Performance

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has eulogised the outgoing Clerk to the House, Dr Yahaya Danzaria, for his services and contributions to the development of the legislature and, by extension, democracy.

Abbas and several other leaders and members of the House, at a valedictory session in the chambers yesterday, took turns to salute Danzaria, who is retiring from civil service.

In his address, the speaker especially commended Danzaria for his dedication to duty and integrity.

“Today, the House gathers in solemn recognition of service. We meet not just to mark the passage of time but to honour a career dedicated to the stability, integrity and continuity of parliamentary democracy.

“This valedictory session celebrates the tenure of the outgoing clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr Yahaya H. Danzaria,” he said.

While saying that in every democratic legislature, elected authority must operate within a lasting institutional framework, Abbas noted that this framework is upheld by procedure, order, records and professional administration.

“The Office of the Clerk stands at the heart of this responsibility. It provides continuity beyond electoral cycles, safeguards the legitimacy of parliamentary decisions, and ensures that debate, disagreement, and consensus all occur within lawful bounds,” he said.

Abbas also said Danzaria served in that sensitive office “with clarity, discipline, and restraint,” adding that the outgoing clerk’s career within the National Assembly “reflects steady progress built on competence and learning.”

Trained in law and further grounded in public administration and policy analysis, the speaker said Danzaria combined legal precision with administrative insight in parliamentary work.

“He understood that the procedure is not ceremonial. It is functional. It exists to protect minority rights, preserve order, and ensure that decisions of the House can withstand legal and constitutional scrutiny,” the speaker added.

Abbas noted that among Danzaria’s most important institutional contributions was his role in supporting the formulation and implementation of the 10th House’s Legislative Agenda. He added that the clerk also played a key role in revising the Standing Orders of the House.

He said, “In the routine but essential work of plenary administration, his insistence on the timely preparation and circulation of Notice Papers improved legislative planning. Beyond institutional frameworks, Dr Danzaria exhibited exceptional professionalism.”