Tajudeen Abbas, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate aspiring to become the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, has expressed his confidence in securing the position alongside Benjamin Kalu as his deputy on June 13th.

In a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu met with both Abbas and Kalu on Thursday. This meeting occurred ahead of the upcoming inauguration of the 10th leadership of the National Assembly, scheduled to take place on June 13, 2023.

During their visit to the Presidential Villa, Abbas stated that their primary purpose was to congratulate Tinubu on his election victory and subsequent inauguration on May 29. He also refuted the notion that the 10th assembly would be a mere rubber stamp, emphasizing that the 360 members could not be manipulated to act against the nation’s best interests. Furthermore, Abbas assured that the autonomy of the legislature would remain intact and uncompromised under their leadership.

He said, “My name is Hon. Tajjudeen Abbas from the National Assembly. And with me is my colleague, who, by the grace of God, come June 13, 2023, would be the next speaker insha Allah and Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Reps of the National Assembly.

“You may recall that just two or three days ago, Mr. President, the reign of power was handed over to him on May 29. And since then, we did not have any formal interactions.

”We felt that it is expedient as the candidates of the party for the number four and number six positions, there is a need for us to formally congratulate him on behalf of all members-elect of the 10th assembly.

“But that’s just the reason why we’re here to basically congratulate Mr. President over his election and his inauguration as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”