The House of Representatives has expressed displeasure over what it sees as discrimination following the recent conferment of national honors by President Bola Tinubu.
The lawmakers raised concerns during a motion sponsored by all 360 members, highlighting the disparity in the awards given to the leadership of the National Assembly.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, were both honored with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
However, the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, was only awarded the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), a lower distinction.
The House members argued that the two chambers of the National Assembly are co-equal and should not be treated differently. They also pointed out that the CJN, who is ranked lower than the Speaker in the national order of precedence, received a higher honor. The lawmakers called on President Tinubu to rectify what they consider an oversight.
The President had on Tuesday announced the conferment during a broadcast to celebrate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day Anniversary in Abuja.
Tinubu also conferred the honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; and awarded the honour of the Commander of the Order of Niger (CON) to the Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu.
