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• Proposes 100-day legislative programme, warns against abandoning duties for campaigns
From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has listed the conclusion of the constitution review, preparations for the 2027 budget and consideration of requests from President Bola Tinubu as priorities for the new legislative year.
Welcoming lawmakers back from their annual recess, Abbas proposed a focused 100-day legislative programme to clear outstanding reports and bills, warning that legislative duties must not be abandoned as activities for the 2027 general election intensify.
He urged the Executive to submit the Medium Term Expenditure Framework promptly to give lawmakers sufficient time for scrutiny and lay the foundation for timely passage of the 2027 Appropriation Bill.
Abbas said the House had entered the fourth session and final stretch of the 10th Assembly, directing committees to expedite action on pending work.
“Our immediate priorities are therefore clear. First, we must bring the constitutional review process to a responsible conclusion. The State Police Bill, the Reserved Seats for Women Bill and other outstanding alteration bills require sustained engagement with the Senate and the State Houses of Assembly,” he said.
“Second, the House will focus on preparations for the 2027 budget. We urge the Executive to submit the Medium Term Expenditure Framework promptly to allow sufficient time for thorough consideration and lay a sound foundation for the timely passage of the Appropriation Bill.
“Third, the House will give prompt and careful attention to the bills and requests transmitted by the President. These include the National Research Development Fund Bill and the request received today for the domestication of the Geneva Conventions and their relevant protocols.
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“This latest request carries particular national and diplomatic significance. It will strengthen the protection of civilians, wounded persons and prisoners during armed conflict. I commend President Bola Tinubu for this bold and timely move.”
The Speaker also called for safeguards for the electoral process, insisting that institutions involved in the elections must act impartially.
“The Electoral Act must be faithfully applied, and the Independent National Electoral Commission must receive the lawful support required to perform its duties. Every public institution involved in the elections must act with neutrality, competence and restraint.”
Abbas urged lawmakers to attend plenary and committee sittings faithfully and fulfil their mandate throughout their tenure.
“The months ahead will be brief, and the demands of the political season will be considerable. I call on every Honourable Member to attend plenary and committee sittings faithfully.
“Legislation and oversight must not be abandoned for the campaign trail. Our constituents elected us for a full term, and they deserve a full term of service.
“We will also require the cooperation of the Executive and the Judiciary, consistent with the constitutional independence of each arm of government. Civil society, professional bodies, the media and our constituents must continue to hold us to the standards expected of the People’s House,” he stated.
