SPEAKER ABBAS SAYS DIALOGUE OVER CONFRONTATION, DEFINES 10TH HOUSE’S RELATIONSHIP WITH EXECUTIVE

At the 5th Lecture Series of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen reaffirmed the 10th House of Representatives’ commitment to institutional balance by prioritising dialogue over confrontation in its relationship with the Executive branch.
In his address titled “Legislating Under Pressure: The Realities of Lawmaking in Nigeria,” Speaker Abbas explained that while past Assemblies often leaned toward confrontation or passivity, the 10th House has adopted a middle-ground approach rooted in consensus-building.
He noted reforms such as strengthening legislative caucuses, empowering the Whip’s office as a mediator, promoting inclusive debates, and ensuring fair committee assignments across party lines. These, he said, have improved productivity and reduced friction between arms of government.
“We are not afraid to amend or reject anti-people proposals,” Abbas said, “but we do so with reasoned argument and institutional engagement, not public hostility.”
The Speaker concluded by stressing that the National Assembly’s watchdog role is being redefined through quiet diplomacy, shared ownership, and public accountability, aligning Nigeria’s legislative conduct with best practices in hybrid democracies like South Africa and India.