By Hassan Ibrahim
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has formally declared his intention to seek a fifth term in the National Assembly, unveiling his ambition at a colourful ceremony attended by thousands of supporters at the Mallawa Eid Ground in Zaria.
The event drew a large crowd of constituents and loyalists who embarked on a solidarity walk from the Emir’s Palace through major routes including Babban Dodo, Lemu, Kofar Doka, and Tudun Wada before converging on the venue for the declaration.
Addressing the gathering, the Speaker highlighted what he described as “visible and measurable results” of his representation since first joining the House in 2011, noting that his decision to seek re-election was based on performance rather than promises.
According to him, he has sponsored 74 bills in the National Assembly, with 21 already signed into law, stressing that the legislative efforts were aimed at strengthening governance and addressing practical challenges affecting Nigerians.
Speaker Abbas outlined a series of constituency interventions, particularly in agriculture, transport, and economic empowerment.
He disclosed that farmers were supported with tractors, fertilisers, and agricultural tools, while transport operators, youth groups, and small business owners benefitted from tricycles and motorcycles to improve livelihoods.
He added that 117 vehicles, 200 tricycles, and 1,000 motorcycles were distributed across communities and grassroots stakeholders, while 2,400 beneficiaries received direct financial support. Of these, 800 trained beneficiaries received N250,000 each, and 1,600 small business owners received N100,000 each to boost their enterprises.
On education, the Speaker revealed that he facilitated the establishment of the N80 billion Education City project in Zaria, describing it as a long-term investment in the future of Northern Nigeria.
He also said about 30,000 students benefitted from a N5 billion scholarship programme, alongside rehabilitation of schools and expansion of access to educational institutions.
In the health sector, Speaker Abbas said several Primary Healthcare Centres were facilitated across communities. He also cited the recent commissioning of a 100-bed Specialist Hospital in the constituency, supported through his intervention efforts in collaboration with Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He further spoke on infrastructure development, noting that roads, bridges, and rural access projects were executed to connect previously neglected communities to economic opportunities.
Reflecting on his emergence as Speaker of the 10th House with 353 votes, Abbas said the mandate came with responsibility, adding that within two years, the House introduced over 2,000 bills, passed more than 180, and had over 50 signed into law.
He credited the House with strengthening legal frameworks for security agencies, expanding access to education through the student loan system, processing key economic reform legislation, and recovering billions of naira through oversight functions.
The Speaker expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, APC leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and constituents across Zaria and Sabon Gari for their continued support.
Describing the day as significant in the political journey of the constituency, Abbas urged the people to support continuity in leadership, pledging to deepen ongoing development efforts and sustain strong representation for Zaria Federal Constituency at the national level.
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