By Kemi Yesufu
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas did the unusual when he hosted a world press conference on Thursday February 8th. For those conversant with the tradition of the National Assembly, they would say that the Senate President or the Speaker of the House of Representatives hosting a press conference especially with additional media presence from outside of the National Assembly isn’t the norm.
However, many would agree that Speaker Abbas was only reacting to the unusual circumstances Nigeria has found itself: double digit inflation rate, a cost of living crisis and high-level insecurity. Speaker Abbas as is quite uncharacteristic of Nigerian leaders, many of whom are cocooned in their high offices, largely insulated from the daily reality of those who voted them in, simply was responding to the pervading despondency and growing agitations across the nation.
Nigerians are now faced with unprecedented levels of hunger, a Naira which buys very little even as they constantly pray that they aren’t kidnapped on the highways or hijacked from their homes to die in Kidnappers den or survive with huge debts having borrowed money or sold priced property to pay for heavy ransoms.
We recently witnessed a protest in nearby Niger State over the high cost of living, there are different clips of angry citizens saying hardship is crushing them.
Amazingly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official minstrel and right-hand man, Kwam 1, has told the President in song, that the suffering of the people increased greatly under his government and he must act fast.
So what did Speaker Abass say about the country’s many problems at the press conference? Was his speech and answers to follow-up questions from the media convincing and inspiring? Undeniably, the country’s N0. 4 man said the right things, indeed he did speak to pressing national issues as the invitation to the media parley sent to me and other journalists promised. The Speaker’s tried as much as possible to inspire hope and he sought to assure the people, that the House knows about the current hardship and is working to ameliorate their suffering. The Speaker’s speech touched topics such as security, transparency and accountability, food security, legislative scrutiny of the executive and effective legislation for economic growth, national cohesion and accelerated development.
He said: “The issue of food shortages is particularly close to my heart. Food security is fundamental to national security. We are implementing comprehensive strategies to boost agricultural production, improve supply chains, and ensure that affordable food is accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live.
“I ask for your patience as these measures take effect. Change, especially of the magnitude we are aiming for, does not happen overnight. It requires time, effort, and, most importantly, the support of every Nigerian. Each of us has a role to play in this journey towards a more secure, prosperous, and food-secure Nigeria. Whether you are a farmer, a business owner, a teacher, or a student, your contribution matters.
“Together, we can overcome these challenges and build a brighter future for our beloved country. As your Speaker, I am filled with renewed hope for what we can achieve together. In conclusion, I call upon every Nigerian, from the north to the south, from the east to the west, to join hands in solidarity. Let us support our government’s policies, let us be patient, and let us work together towards the common goal of a better, stronger, and more unified Nigeria.”
Speaker Abbas rallied support for President Tinubu, saying he has demonstrated commitment to improving the security situation and enhancing the capability of the Armed Forces. The Speaker reminded the media, that, just days before, he attended the induction ceremony of the T-129 ATAK helicopter and the King Air 360i aircraft into the Nigerian Air Force.
The Speaker also recalled that on November 8, 2023, the President signed the N2.176trillion Supplementary Appropriation Act to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and address Nigeria’s critical infrastructure deficit, amongst other considerations through targeted investments. “These investments in the face of global economic downturn and budgetary constraints attest to the government’s determination to end insecurity in Nigeria,” he opined.
He continued: “While recognising and commending the patriotic and courageous efforts of our security agencies, we must have the courage to effect changes where necessary. These are among the issues that the forthcoming Legislative Summit on Security will address. This summit, which comes up in a matter of weeks, will, among others, allow us to hear directly from the key stakeholders in the sector and come up with legislative measures to modernise our security system and improve its operational efficiency and effectiveness.
“As emphasised in our Legislative Agenda, the time has come for us to demand greater transparency from our security agencies and full accountability for all the funds spent and earmarked for spending in the sector. We kick-started our sectoral debates in November last year with the Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police to demonstrate the seriousness we attach to security.”
When asked what is different about the planned Legislative Summit on Security of the 10th House as the 9th House also hosted a similar conference with its report lying fallow, Abbas said that the executive and other relevant players would be involved this time in order for decisions at the summit to be jointly arrived at. For him, joint decision making will result in an impactful level of implementation.
Did Speaker Abbas deliver a perfect speech? Was his press conference unimpeachable? Not really. Perhaps, the low point of his speech was what a couple of journalists at briefing described in murmurs, as an attempted PR for Speaker Abass’ predecessor and Chief of Staff to President, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila. The President’s Chief of Staff hasn’t had it so good on social media of recent.
It didn’t help that Speaker Abbas in his perceived defence of his predecessor mentioned the tightening of libel laws which many Nigerians often analyse to be the regulation of the social media space. I am one of those who believe that Cyber-Crime Act 2015 as well as the country’s defamation laws are strong enough to protect the public, aggrieved individuals have sufficient basis on which to seek legal redress.
Speaker Abbas in keeping to his words on Thursday, that the House he leads is one that appreciates constructive criticism and is open to advice/feedback from the media and the public, also has to understand that feedback from the public and the media doesn’t always come as nice, respectful, words or beautiful prose and well-written memos. Many times, people will lash out at leaders, they will speak their minds in loud tones and the language they understand.
Speaker Abbas should have left Gbajabiamila to fight his own battles even as it is indeed surprising that Gbajabiamila, who as Minority Leader of the House and opposition arrowhead harangued government. Oh Gbajabiamila was a delight as Reps Minority Leader! But now as a resident in Nigeria’s “Forbidden City”, also known as Aso Rock Presidential Villa, he wants to only receive praise and not be a subject of discussion among Nigeria’s inelegant masses. Introducing bills which are perceived as regulating free speech and discuss on social media is akin to courting unnecessary controversy. Speaker Abbas should avoid this type of controversy. The 9th Senate was compelled to drop the bill to repeal the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Act No. 28 2007 and enact the National Information Technology Development Agency to provide for the Administration, Implementation, Regulation of Information Technology Systems and Practices as well as Digital Economy in Nigeria and For Related Matters. This is because youths on social media rejected the bill, same for industry players describing it as a veiled attempt to stifle free speech. Any bill or policy perceived as one to regulate discussion on social media will not enjoy the support of the public.
Ultimately, Speaker Abass deserves commendation for thinking outside the box, for not maintaining a haughty silence on national problems, conveniently hiding under government protocol and stiff-necked bureaucracy, as many Nigerian leaders gladly do. The Speaker stepped away from the tired way of doing things, to boldly make promises on solving the many problems facing the nation with his speech and subsequent interaction with the press last week. It is the duty of the media to professionally follow-up on these pledges to ensure that the Speaker walks the talk, Nigeria just might not survive another round of unfulfilled promises from its leaders as the country is indeed in dire straits.
Good write up.
Truth is that we are in dire straits and only urgent solution will help us out of the doldrums.