Ibrahim Sulaiman
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajuddeen, has officially declared his intention to seek re-election for a fifth term as the member representing Zaria Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The declaration ceremony, held at the Mallawa Eid Ground in Zaria, attracted thousands of supporters, party loyalists and residents who participated in a solidarity march from the Emir’s Palace through major streets of the city before converging at the venue.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Musa Abdullahi Krishi.
Addressing the crowd, Speaker Abbas said his decision to seek another mandate was based on his performance record, constituency projects and commitment to improving the welfare of the people.
“This declaration is not based on promises alone. It is based on work, results and a record that the people can see and verify,” he stated.
The Speaker highlighted his legislative activities since joining the National Assembly in 2011, revealing that he had sponsored 74 bills, with 21 already signed into law. According to him, the bills were aimed at strengthening governance and addressing pressing national issues.
On empowerment programmes, Abbas disclosed that his office facilitated the distribution of tractors, fertilisers and agricultural equipment to farmers, alongside support packages for transport operators, youth groups and small business owners across the constituency.
He added that 117 vehicles, 200 tricycles and 1,000 motorcycles had been distributed to various communities and support groups within the constituency.
Speaking further on economic empowerment, the Speaker said 2,400 beneficiaries received direct financial support. He explained that 800 trained beneficiaries received N250,000 each, while another 1,600 small-scale business owners received N100,000 each to support and expand their businesses.
In the education sector, Abbas described the establishment of the Education City Project in Zaria, valued at approximately N80 billion, as one of the landmark achievements of his representation.
He further stated that nearly 30,000 students had benefited from scholarship programmes worth over N5 billion, alongside several school rehabilitation and educational support initiatives.
The Speaker also highlighted interventions in the healthcare sector, including the construction of primary healthcare centres and the commissioning of a 100-bed Specialist Hospital facilitated through his constituency intervention efforts with the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He listed ongoing infrastructural projects such as roads, bridges and rural access initiatives aimed at improving connectivity and economic activities in underserved communities.
Reflecting on his emergence as Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Abbas recalled securing 353 votes from lawmakers nationwide, describing it as one of the strongest mandates in the history of the House.
According to him, under his leadership, the House had considered over 2,000 bills within two years, passed more than 180 bills and secured presidential assent for more than 50 bills.
Speaker Abbas also commended President Tinubu for implementing what he described as difficult but necessary reforms, while appreciating Uba Sani for promoting peace and development across Kaduna State.
He equally thanked the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths and supporters across Zaria and Sabon Gari for their continued support and confidence in his leadership.
Several APC stakeholders at the event praised Speaker Abbas for what they described as inclusive leadership, quality representation and sustained developmental interventions across the constituency.