President Bola Tinubu’s recent announcement during his October 1, 2024, Independence Day address has sparked significant controversy. The President conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) upon Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. He also bestowed the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
This decision led to a tumultuous session in the House of Representatives, where members vehemently rejected the perceived downgrading of their status. They argued that both chambers of the National Assembly enjoy equal standing under the Constitution. Specifically, they highlighted that the CJN, being fifth in the National Order of Precedence, should not receive a higher honour than the Speaker.
Section 47 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) states: “There shall be a National Assembly for the Federation which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives.” Importantly, it does not assert that one chamber is superior to the other. The categorization of the Senate as the “Upper” chamber and the House as the “Lower” chamber is an outdated remnant of Nigeria’s previous parliamentary system, which does not apply to the current presidential system we have operated under for the past 35 years.
Both chambers possess equal legislative authority; no bill is forwarded to the President for assent unless it has been passed by both. The Order of Precedence exists primarily to prevent a leadership vacuum in the event of the President’s death or permanent incapacity, with the Vice President, Senate President, and Speaker designated as the Second, Third, and Fourth in line, respectively. The CJN, while leading the judiciary, does not play a role in this succession order but rightfully receives the GCON as the head of the third arm of government.
In terms of power and prestige, the Senate does hold certain advantages. It is the only chamber with the constitutional authority to confirm specific presidential appointments, including that of the CJN. Moreover, the Senate’s structure reflects the equality of the states, with three senators per state, compared to the House’s representation based on population, which comprises 360 members.
Additionally, the aspiration of governors to the Senate after their tenure further illustrates its elevated status, as it is rare for any former governor to seek a position in the House of Representatives. The National Assembly holds its joint sessions in the Green Chamber due to its larger seating capacity, yet the Senate President presides over these sessions as the head of the assembly, with the Speaker serving as deputy. Senators also receive higher perks and benefits.
Given these dynamics, the uproar from the House members seems unnecessary. Instead of contesting perceived slights to their status, they would do well to focus on the pressing challenges facing the nation. There are numerous critical issues requiring their attention, and a united front would serve them—and the country—better than infighting over honours.