By Philip Agbese
For many that have read Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War”, the book explores the strategy, discipline and wisdom required to overcome difficult challenges. Looking at the leadership style of Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, GCON, the Speaker of Nigeria’s 10th House of Representatives, one cannot help but wonder what Sun Tzu would make of his stewardship of the House.
Perhaps, if he were alive today, Sun Tzu would find in Abbas’s leadership an inspiration for another work; one that could aptly be titled “The Art of Parliament.” And the reason is not far fetched.
Presiding over a House of 360 members, with members having different political interests, convictions and ambitions, is no small task. Yet, Abbas has shown that leadership goes beyond occupying the highest office or is by simply wielding the gavel. He has demonstrated an uncommon ability to bring people together despite their differences, manage disagreements effortlessly, ensuring that the 10th House of representatives remains focused on its responsibilities to the nation.
After his emergence as Speaker on June 13, 2023, Speaker Abbas has had the responsibility of steering the 10th House of Representatives through a difficult period in Nigeria’s political and economic life.
The House Representatives is made up of lawmakers elected on the platform of different political parties, carrying different expectations, party loyalties and different ideologies into the chamber. Yet, under Speaker Abbas’s leadership, the House has relatively maintained institutional stability and a working atmosphere that allows lawmakers to carry out their responsibilities.
The Speaker’s leadership entails that a good leader can command respect without creating unnecessary divisions. But that he or she must know when to insist on principles and when to create room for compromise.
One of the qualities that distinguishes Abbas is his understanding of the business of lawmaking. Long before he became Speaker, Honourable Abbas had established himself as an active legislator. For instance, during the 9th National Assembly, he sponsored 74 bills, 21 of which received presidential assent. This record shows a legislator who prepared himself for parliamentary duties.
As a Doctorate Degree holder, Honourable Abbas’ educational background has no doubt contributed to his thoughtfullness and methodical approach as a legislator. In fact, as the Speaker, he has brought that educational experience to the task of directing the work of the entire chamber.
Under Speaker Abbas, the 10th House has undertaken extensive legislative programmes covering several areas of national life. These includes legislation and reforms relating to student loans, electricity, taxation, the minimum wage, cybercrime, national security and electoral law, alongside annual budgets and other significant legislative initiatives.
Although some of these initiatives have attracted public public debate, as major reforms often does in a democracy. Nevertheless, the breadth of the House’s work demonstrates the importance Speaker Abbas has placed on keeping the legislative process active. His challenge, like that of every presiding officer, is to ensure that productivity is matched by careful scrutiny, sound drafting and a clear understanding of how new laws will affect ordinary Nigerians.
Honourable Abbas understands that the art of parliament cannot be measured by the number of bills introduced or passed alone; it is reflected in the ability to make the institution accessible to the people it represents. For this reason, he has supported efforts to promote an open parliament, including the National Assembly Open Week, which provides opportunities for citizens, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to engage with the legislature.
Public consultations on constitutional amendments have also helped bring important questions of governance before Nigerians. Honourable Abbas knows that these efforts are key because public confidence in democratic institutions grows when people have knowledge of what their representatives are doing and they are also given the opportunity to express their views.
His handling of the House also deserves commendation for the emphasis on consultation and consensus. In a politically diverse chamber, the Speaker cannot afford to treat every disagreement as a contest to be won. He has to listen to all his colleagues, weigh competing arguments on the floor of the house and find a common ground without compromising the authority of the parliament. And the Speaker has approached the office with a style that reflects these demands, and is always working with the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, and other members across party lines.
The relative stability of the House is also an important part of his record. There is no doubt that political disagreements are inevitable, but the ability to prevent them from escalating and disrupting legislative business is one of the less celebrated responsibilities of parliamentary leadership. In this regard, Abbas has demonstrated that patience, tact and a willingness to engage can be as important as firmness.
The Speaker’s leadership has also extended to constitutional reform, one of the most important responsibilities of the National Assembly. Through public hearings and consultations across the six geopolitical zones, the House has considered proposals touching on electoral law, judicial reforms, local government autonomy, the establishment of state police, fiscal arrangements and greater representation for women.
The Speaker understands that these reforms and legislative initiatives involve many interests and, in some cases, deeply held political positions. Therefore, it requires more than a simple majority or a singular decision making from the presiding officer. These, he has handled expertly.
Beyond its core responsibilities of lawmaking, the NASS under the ebullient leadership of Speaker Abbas has also had deliberations regarding the country’s security challenges through debates, policy dialogues, committee work and resolutions. The House has considered recommendations on intelligence gathering, inter agency cooperation and community security, among other matters.
Quite commendable is Speaker Abbas’s connection between his national office and the needs of his constituents, the people of Zaria Federal Constituency. Speaker Abbas’s record in his constituency includes educational support, scholarships, infrastructure projects, agricultural assistance and community interventions.
He has given scholarships to thousands of students, constructed rural roads, supported schools, he has provided boreholes and healthcare facilities, as well as assisted farmers as well as provided different opportunities for young people. These constituency engagements are important because parliamentary representation should have a practical meaning on the constituents and not just speaking on the floor of the House. The initiatives therefore, have helped to connect his parliamentary service with the everyday concerns of families and communities in his constituency.
As the Speaker, Honourable Abbas has been able to manage differences in pursuit of a common purpose. He listens, takes tough decisions as well as put the demands of public service above personal ambition or party interests.
Unlike Sun Tzu “The Art of War” which emphasizes the importance of discipline and wisdom required to overcome difficult challenges, Honourable Abbas’s “Art of Parliament” emphasizes that the true measure of success in parliament lies not in muscling political opponents, but in building a strong institution that delivers on its responsibility to the people of the country, Nigeria.
That is the art of parliament, and it is a standard by which his leadership will be remembered.
Agbese is the Deputy Spokesperson of the 10th House of Representatives.
