Tinubu Upgrades Speaker Abbas’ Honour to GCON After Pushback from Lawmakers

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has upgraded the national honor of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas from Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) to the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) following a protest by members of the House of Representatives.

Initially, Abbas and the Deputy Senate President were conferred the CFR during the 64th Independence Anniversary speech, but lawmakers argued that the Speaker deserved a higher recognition based on national precedence.

 Responding to the protest, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the upgrade in a statement released on October 4.

He acknowledged the concerns raised by the House, stating,

“President Tinubu has been persuaded by the position of the House of Representatives and has thus decided to upgrade the Speaker to GCON from CFR, in accordance with the National Order of Precedence.”

This decision serves to correct what was described as a “historical error and oversight.”

 Moreover, Onanuga indicated that the Senate President, Speaker, and other principal officers of the National Assembly, along with the Chief Justice of Nigeria, will be formally decorated with their new honors at a later date.

This move reflects the importance of recognizing public servants when they excel, thereby motivating others to continue serving the nation with dedication and integrity.