Reps Deputy Minority Leader Dasuki Promises Accountability-Driven Opposition
The Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dasuki, has pledged that the Minority Caucus will pursue a constructive and responsible opposition focused on accountability, transparency and good governance rather than opposing government policies for political reasons.
Speaking in Sokoto while receiving elders and stakeholders from Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency who visited to congratulate him on his appointment, Dasuki said the caucus is committed to offering principled leadership that promotes the interests of Nigerians and strengthens democratic governance.
He explained that the opposition would support policies and legislation that improve citizens’ welfare while ensuring effective oversight of government activities.
Dasuki revealed that the caucus has adopted the leadership record of Femi Gbajabiamila during his 2011–2015 tenure as Minority Leader as the benchmark for its operations. According to him, Gbajabiamila’s approach remains a model of how a vibrant opposition can hold the government accountable while contributing positively to national development.
On insecurity, the lawmaker called for stronger collaboration among Northern governors, stressing that banditry, kidnapping and terrorism have become regional challenges that require coordinated action beyond individual states.
He also urged the federal and state governments to strengthen security partnerships with neighbouring countries, particularly Niger, to tackle cross-border insurgency and violent extremism.
Speaking on workers’ welfare, Dasuki argued that many state governments have the financial capacity to pay salaries above the current minimum wage. He maintained that increased revenue allocations from recent economic reforms make it possible for states to implement a minimum wage of at least N100,000 without waiting for federal approval.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Chairman of the Action Democratic Congress, Abdullahi Maigwandu, congratulated Dasuki on his appointment and praised his leadership qualities. He also criticised some lawmakers from the state, describing them as inactive in the National Assembly.
Maigwandu added that the ADC would continue to challenge the ruling APC through constructive criticism and strategic political engagement, expressing confidence that the party could eventually emerge victorious in future state and federal elections.
