The House of Representatives has rejected the proposed conferment of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) national honour on its Speaker, Rt. Hon.
Tajudeen Abbas. Instead, the lawmakers are calling for a higher distinction—the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)—which has already been accorded to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
This decision came after the House adopted a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Philip Agbese, a lawmaker from Benue State, with broad support from other members of the green chamber.
The representatives argued that the CFR honour is insufficient for a high-ranking officer like the Speaker of the 10th National Assembly. Agbese and his supporters contended that Abbas, as Speaker, should receive the same GCON honour granted to Akpabio and Kekere-Ekun.
The controversy follows President Bola Tinubu’s announcement during his nationwide broadcast marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary. Tinubu outlined plans to confer the GCON honour on Senate President Akpabio and CJN Kekere-Ekun, while Abbas was slated to receive the CFR, along with other beneficiaries, at a date yet to be announced by the federal government.
The resolution has sparked mixed reactions, particularly among netizens, many of whom have criticized the lawmakers for prioritizing personal accolades amid the nation’s ongoing economic challenges. Some commentators have accused elected officials of being “out of touch” with the realities facing everyday Nigerians.
As the debate continues, the issue has raised questions about the significance of national honours and whether the distinction between CFR and GCON should be a matter of priority for public officeholders.
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