Rep. Abdussamad Dasuki has been named Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.
Speaker Abbas Tajudeen made the announcement during Thursday's plenary session.
Dasuki represents Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency in Sokoto State. He's a member of the African Democratic Congress, having defected from the Peoples Democratic Party.
Frederick Agbedi of the PDP emerged as Minority Leader. According to a caucus letter, lawmakers selected Agbedi by consensus to lead the opposition.
Other appointments rounded out the minority leadership structure. Hon.
Manu Soro from the Allied Peoples Movement became Minority Whip, representing Bauchi State.
George Ozodinobi returned as Deputy Minority Whip. He'd been serving in an acting capacity as Minority Leader after Kingsley Chinda departed.
Dasuki has become one of the House's most vocal opposition figures. In December, he raised serious concerns about tax legislation discrepancies.
He discovered differences between bills lawmakers approved and versions later gazetted for public use. The lawmaker flagged this during plenary on December 17.
"I was here, I gave my vote and it was counted and I am seeing something completely different," Dasuki told fellow representatives. He emphasized the gravity of the situation.
After reviewing gazetted tax laws alongside House records, Dasuki found troubling inconsistencies. He compared documents including harmonised versions and votes from both chambers.
According to him, the published laws didn't match what legislators debated and approved. Such discrepancies, he argued, breached legislative procedure and constitutional safeguards.
Dasuki warned that presenting different laws to Nigerians could damage legislative credibility. He called for urgent examination of all relevant documentation.
He specifically requested that the Committee of the Whole scrutinize harmonised bill versions. House records and gazetted copies needed thorough review, he insisted.
Speaker Abbas acknowledged the concerns at the time. He assured lawmakers the House would address the issues raised.
On Thursday, Abbas expressed confidence in the new minority team. According to him, these officers would collaborate with House leadership on legislative priorities.
"With this announcement, the body of principal officers of the House is now complete," Abbas stated. He emphasized their role in advancing the chamber's agenda.
Dasuki's appointment reflects his growing influence within the opposition caucus. His willingness to challenge the executive has earned respect among colleagues.
The new leadership structure comes as the House navigates complex legislative terrain. Effective oversight will depend on these principal officers' performance.
