Deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has said the conferment of the second highest honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Speaker Abbas Tajudeen was portrayal of the integrity of the entire House.
According to him, the recent award of an honorary doctorate in Engineering to the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Abubakar Bichi, by the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina State, also pointed to that fact.
In an interview with journalists in Abuja, the member representing Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency of Benue State said Speaker Abbas has demonstrated empathy, compassion and capacity since taking over the leadership of the House in 2023.
Agbese stated that the conferment of the GCON on the Zaria-born lawmaker demonstrated President Bola Tinubu’s respect for the Speaker and the entire 10th House.
He said: “What Mr Speaker has brought to the House is his integrity, unblemished record of service both as an academic and a politician. Mr President, realising the need to address the historical error, aligned with the prayers of our motion and accordingly conferred the GCON on this illustrious Nigerian son.
“This honour is our collective pride and a call for more selfless service to God and Humanity. We are honoured by Mr President’s patriotism and pledge never to let Nigerians down.”
On the honorary doctorate conferred on the Appropriation chairman, he said: “Honourable Bichi is one of the most notable funders of education in the country. What is unique about him is that he gives without looking back. Seeing the Federal University in Katsina State recognising his effort with an honorary doctorate was a great feeling.
“By this honour, every member of the House of Representatives is called upon to do their part in contributing to noble causes. The honour bestowed on the Speaker and our Appropriation Chairman shows that whatever you do, society is watching.
“As legislators, these events should spur us to do better, not because we want to be recognised but because God has chosen us at this time to do our part in the collective quest to build a new Nigeria.”
