SPEAKER TAJUDEEN ABBAS AND THE DOCTRINE OF PEOPLE-FIRST LEADERSHIP

By Abdulkadir Bello

I can’t afford not to join millions of well-meaning Nigerians across the country to pay tribute to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, for his exemplary leadership and steadfast dedication to national service.

Since assuming office on 13 June 2023, Rt. Hon. Abbas has redefined legislative leadership in Nigeria. He has brought to the hallowed chambers a rare combination of intellectual depth, legislative competence, humility, and moral clarity.

Under his stewardship, the 10th House of Representatives has not only enjoyed stability and inclusiveness, but has also set new records. It is now the most productive House since 1999. Between June 2023 and 2026, the House considered 2,747 bills, passed 363, and secured presidential assent for 72. In its first year alone, 89 bills were passed.

These laws are not abstract. They include the _Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act 2024_, _Electric Power Sector Reform Amendment 2023_, _Cybercrime Amendment 2024_, and bills on security, tax policy, and regional development. The House anchored its work on an eight-point agenda focused on economic growth, security, healthcare, education, and good governance.

What distinguishes Speaker Abbas is that he practices what he preaches. Before becoming Speaker, he was already a lawmaker par excellence, having sponsored 74 bills in a single term – the first in Nigeria’s history – with 22 enacted into law.

The “people-first” doctrine is also visible in Zaria Federal Constituency. Here, leadership translates to tangible results. He facilitated the N80 billion Education City project, a N5 billion scholarship programme for 30,000 students, and direct support to thousands of households and small businesses. In healthcare, he facilitated PHCs and a 100-bed specialist hospital. In empowerment, 117 vehicles, 200 tricycles and 1,000 motorcycles were distributed to grassroots groups.

Beyond bills and projects, Speaker Abbas has institutionalized inclusion. Through _House Open Week, town halls, and digital engagement_, the 10th House branded itself as *‘The People’s House’*. As his colleagues noted, “He is a listening leader, with a sense of fairness”.

In Rt. Hon. Abbas, we see democracy in action — a leader who builds bridges instead of walls, and a statesman convinced that the purpose of power is service to the people.

I call on all public office holders to adopt this doctrine of people-first leadership. Nigeria will advance more rapidly when we place collective good above political expediency, and service above self.

To the youth: let us build a culture of celebrating genuine leadership. Democracy is strengthened when good leaders are supported. Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas embodies the caliber of leadership that guarantees peace, unity, and progress for Nigeria.

History will remember him kindly as a patriot who gave his best to his people and his country.

Kudos, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for your service.

_Bello wrote from Sabon Gari LGA, Kaduna State, Nigeria_
_Email: abdulqadirbello@yahoo.com_