Who Is the Most Loved Speaker in the History of Nigeria's Democracy? Poll Reveals
- A new survey rated Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the 10th Assembly, as the most loved presiding officer in Nigeria’s democratic history
- Lawmakers praised his inclusive, respectful, and reform-driven leadership, highlighting welfare reforms and improved legislative output
- While some urged him to be tougher on the executive, many valued his neutrality, fairness, and intellectual depth
A fresh survey of lawmakers in the House of Representatives has rated Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the 10th Assembly, as the most loved presiding officer in Nigeria’s democratic history.
The survey, conducted among 50 lawmakers, 25 returning and 25 first-term members, revealed widespread approval of Abbas’ leadership style, which was described as “inclusive, accessible, and reform-driven.”
Source: Facebook
Lawmakers praise inclusive leadership
Many members applauded Abbas for transcending party divides and ensuring that every lawmaker feels valued.
A first-term lawmaker said:
“As a new member, you would ordinarily expect to be sidelined, but Speaker Abbas has shown us that the House belongs to all of us. He reaches out, he listens, and he makes us feel like equal stakeholders. That’s something rare in parliamentary politics.”
A returning lawmaker added:
“I have served under three different Speakers, but Tajudeen Abbas is different. He does not carry himself with arrogance. He treats everyone with respect and consults widely before major decisions are taken. That has endeared him to members across divides.”
Reforms and legislative achievements
Source: Twitter
Abbas has also been credited with enhancing oversight and boosting legislative output.
Respondents highlighted that the current House has moved more motions and passed more bills within two years than previous assemblies.
Members further praised reforms in welfare, particularly through the House Committee on House Services. One lawmaker said:
“Gone are the days we worked in offices without WiFi or functioning air conditioning. Today, under Abbas, our offices are fully equipped, and members are happy. It’s a tangible improvement in our day-to-day working life.”
Another first-term member commended the Speaker’s decentralisation of power:
“The Speaker has empowered committees to function effectively. Chairs are trusted to deliver on their mandates, which has improved efficiency and visibility in legislative work.”
Criticism and calls for stronger opposition
Not all lawmakers were fully satisfied. Some argued that Abbas could take a stronger stance against the executive arm of government.
A member from Rivers State in the opposition noted:
“We respect Speaker Abbas, but we would like a Speaker who is more aggressive in challenging the executive on certain issues. That is the only point where we feel he could be bolder.”
However, others defended his neutrality. A PDP lawmaker from Kebbi State said:
“His leadership does not favour PDP or APC. In fact, that impartiality is why we love him. Everyone feels represented, and politics does not interfere with the work of the House.”
Abbas admired for intellect and fairness
Several respondents also praised Abbas’ intellectual depth, saying his academic background informs his methodical approach to debates and policy-making.
“He is not just a politician; he is a thinker,” remarked one returning member.
A Speaker loved across divides
Overall, the poll suggests that Abbas has succeeded in uniting a diverse chamber by combining reformist zeal with fairness and attention to member welfare.
As one participant summed up:
“Love is not a word often used in politics, but in this House, it is the best way to describe how members feel about Speaker Abbas.”
Source: Legit.ng
