Tinubu admits error, confers GCON honour on House Speaker
By Jeffrey Agbo
President Bola Tinubu has conferred the honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
Since announcing in his speech on Independence Day anniversary that Abbas would receive the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) honour while Senate President Godswill Akpabio would get the GCON honour, the matter has generated controversy among lawmakers.
Some House members raised objections, stating that the House is equal with the Senate, according to the constitution, and should not be discriminated against.
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The House via a statement by the spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, said the lawmakers sought clarity on the titles, not reject it as reported in the media.
According to a statement by a presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Friday, “President Tinubu was persuaded by the House of Representatives position and has decided to remedy the historical error and oversight.
“Thus, he has decided to upgrade the Speaker to GCON from CFR, in accordance with the National Order of Precedence.
“The speaker, the Senate President, other principal officers of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice of Nigeria will be formally decorated with their new honours later.”