Members will receive a ‘handshake’ as Abass woos lamakers to partake in NASS’ open week

During the first plenary session last week, Tajudeen Abass, speaker of the House of Representatives, made an important announcement to lawmakers, inviting them and the public at large to participate actively in the upcoming National Assembly open week. Interestingly, Abass also assured his colleagues that there would be a “handshake” if they attended.

“Members who attend will receive a handshake,” Abass said smiling at his colleagues. This immediately raises eyebrows; was it a joke to be taken literally? Or is there more to the “handshake” than meets the eye? Is it ceremonial, symbolic, or simply cheeky?

The Speaker didn’t elaborate. He didn’t have to. In a system where coded language and unspoken understandings often lubricate the machinery of governance, the message may not be as ambiguous, after all; show up, and be rewarded.

Interestingly, that portion of the Speaker’s remarks has been edited out of the National Assembly’s live feed and its archived recordings, further fuelling suspicions, especially in Nigeria’s politics, where a handshake is rarely ever just a handshake.

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It also reminds us of the prayer messages that are quietly sent to Senators’ mailboxes. Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, once made a gaffe when he told lawmakers that they should expect prayers in their mailboxes to enjoy their break. A comment that sparked public outrage.

The remark was widely interpreted as a slip revealing that senators had received financial allowances or cash gifts ahead of the break. Nigerians, already frustrated by the economic hardship and cost-of-governance concerns, criticised the Senate leadership for insensitivity, lack of transparency, and misuse of public funds.

Abass’ remarks on the open week may not be any way different, especially after its suspicious edit from the House’s archives.

The Open Week, starting next week is meant to serve as a window into the inner workings of Nigeria’s federal legislature. It is typically a public engagement initiative. It invites citizens, civil society, media and stakeholders to peek into the National Assembly’s daily grind, showcasing transparency, accountability and public participation.

The event aims to promote transparency, inclusivity, and accountability within the legislative process. It also serves as a platform for stakeholders to contribute to ongoing constitutional reforms.

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Incentivising lawmakers to attend what should be part of their regular duty raises broader questions about political culture in Nigeria. Why must participation be rewarded, especially in a public-facing event that could improve citizen trust?

For ordinary Nigerians, it also reaffirms a sense of disillusionment with the political class. In a country grappling with economic crisis, rising debt, and ballooning governance costs, the idea that lawmakers might be paid extra to show up for a symbolic public relations event is jarring.

Many Nigerians are already cynical about the cost of governance, and the “handshake” gaffe fits a broader pattern of political self-service.

For now, all eyes will be on who shows up, who gets the mysterious handshake, and whether Nigerians will finally get to see their lawmakers outside the tinted-glass confines of their intimidating convoys.