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Tag: Femi Gbajabiamila

  • Every Nigerian child deserves good education—Gbajabiamila 

    Every Nigerian child deserves good education—Gbajabiamila 

    The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has called on all stakeholders to support government’s efforts at increasing education access to Nigerian children.

    Gbajabiamila spoke while inaugurating a new building at “Let It Shine Academy (LISA)” in Sangotedo area of Lagos State on Saturday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that LISA, a secondary school, offers free education to orphans and children from low-income communities.

    Gbajabiamila, who is the grand patron of the institution, said that every Nigerian child deserves quality education, and that no child should be left out.

    According to him, all Nigerian children should have access to education regardless of family background and status.

    The chief of staff commended the founder of.the school, Damilola Feyide, for giving hope to the hopeless with the academy

    “This is great achievement by Damilola (Founder of the academy). She has done a great thing with this academy. She is impacting lives positively.

    “I am happy to be here and I am glad to see what she is doing here,” the chief of staff said.

    Gbajabiamila urged well-meaning Nigerians to do all they could to touch the the lives of people around them.

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    He promised to continue to support the school to touch more lives.

    Speaking, Feyide said she established the school to give hope to the hopeless in the society.

    “Every child deserves quality education; you cannot have a great nation without educating young people because they are the future.

    “Here is a school offering free education to children from poor communities. 

    “We are giving them education without them paying a kobo because we believe in the future of our young people,” he said

    She expressed gratitude to Gbajabiamila for supporting the academy, saying the support had enabled the school to meet some of its needs.

    Feyide also appreciated banks, companies and individuals for their support.

    Feyide added, “We thank everyone who believes in what we are doing and supporting us. 

    “We we are doing today is the commissioning of a new building because we are transitioning from a day school to boarding school.

    “We thank the chief of staff and everyone supporting us to touch lives.”

    According to her, there are are currently over 200 students in the school.

    She added that the academy hoped to admit more students in the future.

  • Gbajabiamila, Desmond Elliot, others to grace inspirational book launch Sunday

    Gbajabiamila, Desmond Elliot, others to grace inspirational book launch Sunday

    The Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila; the lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I in the National Assembly, Fuad Laguda; and the House of Assembly member representing Surulere State Constituency I, Desmond Olusola Elliott, are among dignitaries expected at the launch of an inspirational boo, titled: The Power of Consistency, written by a company chief executive officer, Dr. Oluyemi Owolabi.

    The book launch will be held at the Whiteley Event Centre, Kilo, Surulere, Lagos, on Sunday, July 27.

    Other personalities expected at the book launch include the Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Yusuf Bamidele Suleimon; the CEO of IBOF Group, Tolu Ibi-Oluwatoba, and the CEO of Eleventh House, Ben Akomolafe.

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    Owolabi, whose company, Expidale Logistics Services Limited, won the top logistics company in Lagos State at the Topnotch Business Awards last year, said he was inspired to write the book , based on his insights, strategy and wisdom to help unlock potential and achieve lasting results in every area of life

     He also said the book explores the impact of commitment, focus and purpose during challenges.

    The book is published in English and Braille, thereby making it the first business book for virtually impaired entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

    Owolabi added that he wrote the book to encourage the youth, regardless of their physical status, to succeed in life and business.

  • Why Femi Gbajabiamila is Lagos future

    Why Femi Gbajabiamila is Lagos future

    By Albert Nwoye

    Although I am Igbo from Anambra, born and bred in Lagos, I believe I should have as much interest as any indigenous Yoruba man in the political recruitment and governance of the only state I have known my entire life as home. Lagos is where my father and his three siblings grew up, and where he married my mother, who bore him his five lovely children, among whom I am the second. My parents and all my siblings—including two females betrothed to an Oye-Ekiti-born engineer and the other, a lawyer from Ijebu-Igbo—speak fluent Yoruba and can even recite proverbs. I grew up in different neighborhoods in Lagos, spoke its slang, and assimilated its cultures. I am confident and proud to call myself a bona fide ‘Omo Eko,’ just as my kinsman, the 1990s Fuji sensation Sunny T Adesokan, who sang Fuji (“Okoro to n ko Fuji”), would see himself. Back to the purpose of my intervention. In just two years from now, the current Lagos State administration will wind down, paving the way for a fresh governorship election. 

    As conversations around potential contenders for the 2027 governorship election grows louder, one name has featured prominently: Femi Gbajabiamila, the current Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu. Both online and offline, he stands out as a preferred and formidable candidate to don the mantle. Gbajabiamila’s prominence is no coincidence. Over the past two decades, he has bestridden the political space with steadfast resolve. Since his initial election into the House of Representatives in 2003 to represent Surulere I Federal Constituency, up until his 2023 resignation to serve in his present national capacity, his political career has exemplified vision, charisma, and purpose.

    An inspiring debater and a compelling polemist, distinguished by his oratory and clarity of thought on issues, Gbajabiamila was always a delight to watch during plenary debates. As opposition leader, he showed strategic vision and offered credible policy alternative and governance roadmap during the era of the Peoples Democratic Party. His ascension as Majority Leader and later Speaker of the lower chamber saw him become a unifying force, galvanizing support across party divides for legislation that served ordinary Nigerians. This was evident in the bills he either personally championed or co-sponsored during his legislative career. 

    Today, Nigerians are witnesses to the positive impacts of the rebirthed student loan that has so far benefitted over 500,000 students. The Access to Higher Education Act (Student Loan), which gave birth to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, and currently bridging the economic and gender gaps in tertiary education enrolment and retention, is Gbaja’s brainchild. The revamped student loan clearly showed that he understands the significance of education and the role of the youth in blazing Nigeria to a more glorious and prosperous future. This mindset apparently propelled his advocacy for the installation of prepaid meters at a time the existing power distribution companies adopted the estimated billing system, widely deplored as inhuman and at the detriment of the long-suffering electricity consumers. His guts to move against the elite-owned power companies was not only exemplary but also attested to his people-centric political belief. Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic when he led a few of his colleagues to champion and saw to the eventual passage of the Emergency Economic Stimulus Bill, aimed at mitigating the pains the global health emergency inflicted on businesses and livelihoods of Nigerians. 

    Beyond the parliament, Gbajabiamila’s impact resonated deeply through his extensive empowerment programmes to his constituents. The transformation his economic empowerment wrought in the lives of his constituents testifies to his practical and compassionate leadership. From the distribution of cars, buses, laptops, and industrial machines to artisans and traders, to the provision of educational grants for tertiary institution students and the facilitation of numerous infrastructural projects including roads, mini-stadiums, and ICT centers, he consistently brought the dividends of democracy directly to the people. The ‘Femi Gbajabiamila Hall of Residence’ at the University of Lagos and the ‘Femi Gbajabiamila General Hospital’ in Surulere are enduring testaments to his pro-people belief and worthy investments in human well-being. This is whom a cosmopolitan Lagos State needs: a compassionate and responsive leader, who feels the pulse of the people and possessing a capability to navigate complex governance issues. 

    With a leader like Gbaja, Lagos State’s ambition to transit into a smart city, become a more secured orbit for commerce and human enterprise is a certainty. More so, given his pan-Nigerian outlook, it is undoubted that he would better manage the diversities that define Lagos while fostering inclusion. Additionally, his impressive educational background is another important factor supporting his suitability for the governorship post. A graduate of the University of Lagos, the John Marshall Law School, and backed by his attendance of various leadership development courses at revered institutions like Cambridge, Stanford, Oxford, and Harvard Kennedy School, Gbajabiamila brings to the table not only a sharp legal mind but also a worldview that is broad, progressive, and deeply informed. For a pluralistic state like Lagos, Gbajabiamila’s blend of experience and vision is an incomparable asset. 

    His international exposure and legal expertise will be helpful in attracting foreign investment, fostering a robust atmosphere for business and global partnerships. His understanding of legislative processes ensures that the state’s policies will be meticulously crafted and effectively implemented. 

    His commitment to education and empowerment will cultivate a skilled workforce and a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, crucial for a truly global city. His advocacy for public health and infrastructure development will elevate the quality of life for all residents irrespective of their statuses. 

    This intervention is a clarion call to the public as well as it is to the decision-makers within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to embrace Femi Gbajabiamila not just as a capable hand, but also as a strategic choice to bring accelerated development in Lagos. 

    To my fellow south easterners living in Lagos: let us not sit this one out. Our voices matter. Our contributions to this state are countless—from commerce to culture to civic life. Supporting Gbajabiamila in 2027 is a vote for inclusivity, development, and shared prosperity. Lagos gave us a home; let us shape its future. 

    This is more than an endorsement. It is a heartfelt call—to rise above old divisions and unite around a leader who sees Lagos for what it truly is: a place for everyone. 

    Albert Nwoye, a lawyer, writes in from Lagos.

  • Gbajabiamila: varsities must seek alternative means of funding outside govt

    Gbajabiamila: varsities must seek alternative means of funding outside govt

    Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said universities must begin to look for alternative source of funding to augment what they get from government.

    Delivering a lecture at the Sound State University on the topic: “Interrogating the Funding of Education: Global Versus Nigerian Perspectives”, the former Speaker said universities in other parts of the world have developed ways of raising funds for their activities.

    Gbajabiamila, who spoke of how to effectively, sustainably and productively fund tertiary education in Nigeria, said giving people the intellectual resources, skills and confidence to navigate the global knowledge economy is very crucial.

    He said: “I have long believed that investing in people by providing opportunities for education and skills acquisition not only changes the individual’s life, but also offers the best possibility of transformational impact on the well-being of our society.”

    He maintained that the primary purpose of education is to improve the individual’s mind and body and empower them to be useful to themselves and beneficial to society.

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    Gbajabiamila said: “A good education should produce an individual who is confident in their abilities, capable of logical thought, and aware of their shortcomings, but not constrained by them.”

    He noted that though the government is doing its best to fund universities and other institutions of learning, tertiary institutions, particularly universities, should seek other ways to properly fund the schools.

    He said some  universities in United States of America conduct research and development activities to develop intellectual property that can be created, transferred or licensed for commercial value.

    “Stanford Management Company, Columbia Investment Management Company and the Harvard Management Company are all wholly owned investment companies of their eponymous universities.

    “These companies manage the financial assets of their respective universities by investing in established businesses and startups, managing real estate holdings and various financial instruments to help ensure these universities have the financial resources to remain world-class institutions,” he said

    Gbajabiamila, who sponsored the Student Loan Act, said as a member of the House of Representatives and later Speaker, he  sponsored and ensured the passage into law of the Students Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act 2023, which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed into law in one of his earliest official actions as President.

    According to him, the law established the national student loan program to ensure that the doors of public tertiary institutions will never be closed against capable and willing candidates solely based on an inability to pay whatever fees that are required.

    He said: “I hope that this sort of policy thinking will inspire others in this room and beyond to take a critical look at the question of tertiary education funding and see the universe of possibilities that exist if we are willing to put in the effort today so that our children’s tomorrow can be better than all our yester years.”

  • Tinubu celebrates Alhaja Gbajabiamila at 95

    Tinubu celebrates Alhaja Gbajabiamila at 95

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaja Lateefat Olufunke Gbajabiamila on the occasion of her 95th birthday, describing her as a towering figure in Nigerian politics, business, and philanthropy.

    In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised Alhaja Gbajabiamila for her lifelong dedication to service, humility, and generosity. 

    He acknowledged her trailblazing role in Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly as the first elected female local government chairperson in Lagos during the Lateef Jakande Administration.

    The President noted that her contributions have left an indelible mark, not only in Lagos, but across the country, cementing her legacy as a formidable leader. 

    He also commended her for being a pillar of support and a source of inspiration, particularly to her son, the Chief of Staff to the President, Right Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila.

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    President Tinubu expressed gratitude for her unwavering prayers and support over the years, wishing her continued health, happiness, and prosperity.

    “President Tinubu says Alhaja Gbajabiamila’s name will undoubtedly stand out when chronicling the women who have left lasting marks on Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.

    “The President thanks Mama for her support and consistent prayers and asks God Almighty, whom she serves faithfully, to grant her many more years filled with good health, joy, and laughter.” the statement said.

    Alhaja Gbajabiamila remains a respected figure in Nigerian society, known for her philanthropy and commitment to uplifting others. 

  • Desmond Elliott launches Femi Gbajabiamila U-16 football tournament for Surulere secondary schools

    Desmond Elliott launches Femi Gbajabiamila U-16 football tournament for Surulere secondary schools

    A third-term member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Desmond Elliott, has launched the Femi Gbajabiamila U-16 Football Competition for Secondary Schools in Surulere, set to run for a month.

    Elliott, representing Surulere Constituency I and serving as Chairman of the House Committee on Works, announced at a news conference in Lagos that 16 school teams would compete in the tournament, designed to support the well-being and engagement of students despite socio-economic challenges.

    Highlighting the tournament’s objectives, Elliott noted: “We want to show kids we’re with them, ensuring their health, fitness, and happiness.

    “We have been doing different things in our community trying to alleviate current hardship, but we also want to let the kids know that we are also with them.

    “We should not deprive them of their health, fitness, and their happiness. This is also part of efforts to engage students and shift their minds from social vices.

    “We have so many vices these days that are prevalent in our schools, such as drug abuse, cultism, cyber crime, bullying, inter-school fights, and the likes which we must address, ” Elliott said.

    He emphasised that the competition would redirect students’ energy toward positive activities, countering the prevalence of social vices like drug abuse, cultism, and cybercrime.

    Beyond sports, the tournament will provide an interactive platform for students to share issues affecting them, with Elliott stating, “This is another time of interaction with them for one full month.”

    “How we can help them in understanding certain things? It is another time of interaction with them for one full month.

    “We are hoping that through this kind of exercise, we will get future great footballers and the likes,” the lawmaker, whose office is organising the tournament, said.

    The tournament kicks off on Oct. 31 with group matches in Education District IV, where Elliott also distributed jerseys, shin guards, boots, footballs, and first aid kits to each team. 

    Organised in collaboration with the Lagos State Sports Commission, the tournament aims to identify young talents.

    In addition, a symposium on November 15, will bring together sports personalities, actors, and musicians to inspire and educate students. 

    The grand finale, featuring a prize-giving ceremony, is slated for Nov. 24, with dignitaries such as Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa in attendance.

    To promote gender inclusion, Elliott announced a concurrent female tournament as the next phase of the initiative.

    According to him, the grand finale with prize-giving ceremonies will hold on Nov. 24 and would be graced by dignitaries, including the Chief of Staff, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.

    Elliott said that the next phase of the tournament would hold with the female tournament concurrently to ensure gender balance.

  • Tinubu back to continue transformative work – Gbajabiamila

    Tinubu back to continue transformative work – Gbajabiamila

    …says president well rested, ready to tackle national challenges

    Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, has expressed optimism about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s continued efforts to take Nigeria to new heights.

    Gbajabiamila spoke on Saturday night when he joined other senior officials of the administration to receive President Tinubu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on his arrival from a two-week working vacation to the United Kingdom (UK). 

    According to the Chief of Staff, President Tinubu is back to continue implementing policies and ensuring things are done right, moving in the right direction, adding that he is back with renewed energy.

    He said the President’s return signals a renewed commitment to delivering dynamic leadership and taking Nigeria to its rightful place on the global stage.

    He likened President Tinubu’s leadership to a captain navigating a plane to cruising level, where Nigerians will soon reap the benefits of his labour, adding that Nigerians are expected to begin seeing the fruits of his labor and the collective efforts of his administration.

    “He’s back to continue from where he left off in terms of putting policies in place and making sure things are done right, making sure we’re going in the right direction. ⁣

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    “He’s the captain of the plane, and he’s working to get to a cruising level, which is precisely where we’re going and in a matter of time, Nigerians will begin to see the fruits of his labour and our labour. ⁣

    “Let’s all be expectant and hopeful, and we’ve been living the renewed hope, and Mr. President is back in Nigeria to continue the good work he’s doing,” he explained. ⁣

    Gbajabiamila noted that the President’s intense work schedule over the past year and a half warranted a break, noting the brief respite has left President Tinubu well-rested and rejuvenated, ready to tackle the nation’s challenges.

    He described the President’s break as a working holiday, during which President Tinubu remained engaged in national matters.

    With the President back in the country, Gbajabiamila assured that the administration is now fully focused on driving progress, saying all hands are back on deck, and President Tinubu is poised to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges, from economic growth to security concerns.

    “The kind of work he’s been doing in the last year and a half requires some rest, and he was gone, and he’s back now, and he’s well rested, rejuvenated.⁣

     ⁣

    “It was even just a working holiday anyway, so he was working and resting at the same time. Now that he’s back in Nigeria, all hands are back on deck, and he’s ready to go”, he said. 

    President Tinubu’s administration has been marked by bold reforms, including significant agreements across multiple sectors. 

    With a cabinet comprising young people and women, President Tinubu aims to exploit Nigeria’s immense potential energy of demographics, culture, and entrepreneurial dynamism.

    His administration has been working to address key issues, including inflation, unemployment, and infrastructure development.

  • Why Nigeria should celebrate, by Lawan, Gbajabiamila, Mustapha

    A CHANGE of guards, cutting of cake, gun salute  and release of pigeons to signify peace, were the highlights of the activity that climaxed the celebration of Nigeria’s 59th Independence anniversary on Tuesday.

    There were no speeches.  President Muhammadu Buhari signed the anniversary register in the presence of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Chief Justice of Nigeria Tanko Muhammad and House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, to end the one hour, 45 minutes ceremony.

    Since the October 1, 2010 bomb blast during the country’s 50th Independence anniversary, subsequent anniversaries were marked at the Villa’s forecourt but President Buhari’s administration broke the jinx by marking the 58th anniversary last year at the Eagles Square.

    On Tuesday, there was a Presidential change of guard from 177 guard battalion to the 7 battalion of the guards brigade.

    President Buhari was ushered to the venue by 9.59am. He inspected the quarter guards and then walked to the Villa forecourt to receive national salute which was followed by rendition of the National Anthem. He arrival signaled the commencement of the event which was witnessed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Muhammed Adamu, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Muhammed Bello and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Adams Oshiomhole.

    Service chiefs and other top government functionaries and members of the diplomatic corps also attended the ceremony.

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    There was 21 gun salute, preceded by silent drills, colour party, posting of sentries and weapons and uniforms inspections to ensure conformity with military standards.

    Top government officials submitted yesterday that with the unity and a secured environment, there will be prosperity for all.

    They officials, including Lawan,  Mustapha and Information, Culture and Tourism Minister Lai Mohammed, urged support for the Federal Government.

    According to them, the government needs the cooperation of all Nigerians, including those in opposition to lift the country to enviable height.

    Speaking with State House reporters after the ceremony, the Senate President said: “Nigeria at 59 has achieved a lot but we also have some challenges.  This is the way nations evolve normally.  While we have achieved so much, we have some challenges which we can surmount. What is required of us is determination of the leadership and the followership in this country.

    “Nigerians are very determined and loyal people.  Therefore, these challenges should catapult us into our nation’s development.  We should never despair.  We have the wherewithal to resolve our issues.

    “I also believe that the nation at 59 has come a long way in terms of the unity we have been able to achieve.  Some countries have gone through more serious that disunited them but Nigeria has remained a country that sometimes people may feel bad about certain things, but everybody believes that Nigeria should remain a united and one country.

    “That is what it should be, but for us to enjoy our country, we have to take our country to the Next Level.”

    Asked if Nigeria’s independence is worth celebrating, Femi Gbajabiamila said: “Absolutely, every year of existence is worth celebrating. Nigeria is 59 years today; other countries, not as old as 59, they celebrate. Other countries are 200 years and they are celebrating.  Every year is worth celebrating and we have come a long way.

    “We will get there,” the Speaker assured.

    Asked what Nigerians should be expecting next year when it turns 60, he said: Sixty years in itself is a landmark and I believe our achievements at that time will be landmark too.

    “We have another year to go.  Budget is being presented very soon. What happens between now and next year, and I believe a lot will happen to determine the level of celebration. But as I said, don’t forget, every year is worth celebrating in one’s life.”

    Mohammed urged Nigerians to keep up hope.

    He said: “Fifty years of independence in a country as diverse as Nigeria is not an easy but the good thing is that everybody is glad to be part of one united and prosperous Nigeria.

    “And the administration will continue to work to ensure there is unity, security and that there is prosperity for all Nigeria and for everybody.”

    The SGF said: “When we compare with countries that have sustained democracy for 200 years, ours is just 59.  We have had major conflicts even within those 59 years, but to still be one solid, indivisible country today is a thing we as Nigerians rejoice over.

    “So, I believe we have every course to celebrate that God has been truly be faithful to us as a nation and as a people.

    “Yes, we acknowledge challenges, but going forward in our attitude.  Like the President said this morning, the change must begin with each and every one of us. In our various spheres of influence and endeavours we must begin to change our attitude, our ways of doing things; become lawful citizens, not lawless citizens and we will begin to see God work in our nation to cause a change.”

     

     

     

     

     

  • NILDS building won’t be abandoned – Gbajabiamila

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has assured the management of the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), that the permanent building of the institute in Abuja will not be an abandoned project.

    Gbajabiamila spoke Saturday after he had been conducted round the new NILDS edifice situated along Airport Road in Abuja, by the Director General of the institute, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman. The Speaker expressed the hope that all things being equal, the complex would be completed by the end of December, 2019.

    “The quality of work is top notch and comparable to the best anywhere in the world. I want to commend the contractors, project managers and the architect. Now I believe that from my little assessment, work is about 70 to 80 percent to completion. It will require a lot of funding. That is what we need to figure out how to complete, so we don’t have another abandoned project in our hands.”

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    He noted that even the layman knows the importance of an institute “such as this.”

    He opined that the facilities at the institute could be beneficial to lawmakers, research fellows and the country as a whole.

    He said the country looks forward to the completion of the project which he noted has been on for about 4 years.

    Director General of the institute, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, while speaking with reporters said that the total estimates on the basis of what is on ground, expectation as regards 2020 budget requirement is being looked into presently.

  • Group slams Speaker Gbajabiamila over unguarded utterances against Buhari’s govt

    The National Democratic Front (NDF) has warned Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, to stop playing politics with issues of national security and quit making utterances to derail President Muhammadu Buhari’s government.

     

    This caution trails Mr Gbajabiamila’s statement on Friday where he appeared to have berated the Service Chiefs for failing to honour invitation to the lower chamber.

     

    In a statement signed by Secretary General, Dr. Abdukakadir Bolaji, the NDF said it is appalled by the “careless utterances of the Speaker” who also vowed to report the Foreign Affairs Minister to the President over the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

     

    According to the group, there is a   grand plot to discredit the administration of President Buhari and Mr Gbajabiamila appears to be in forefront.

     

    However, The National Democratic Front advised the Speaker not to return to the era where instead of parliamentary functions, the legislature issued summons to heads of critical agencies as bait for extortion.

     

    The NDF, therefore, urged Mr Gbajabiamila to retrace his steps and not bow to any pressure to derail the country’s democracy.

     

    Read full statement below:

     

    We welcome you all to the Press Conference that has become inevitable due to the flamboyance and overreaching disposition of some elected political office holders in the country whose actions and inactions are buoyed by the need to make headlines in the national dailies at all cost, not minding the effect on the overall interest of the country.

     

    As you all may be aware, the National Democratic Front (NDF) has been on the front burner on issues such as good governance and accountability on the part of political office holders in Nigeria.

     

    Consequently, our attention has been drawn to statements credited to the Honourable Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila wherein he berated the refusal of the Service Chiefs to attend a meeting with him over killings in the country.

     

    In another vein, Mr. Speaker also threatened to report the Foreign Affairs Minister to the President over the Xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

     

    The National Democratic Front is appalled by the careless utterances of the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, which by and large presents a despicable picture to members of the unsuspecting general public on how some political office holders though holding sensitive positions of authority, but not in tune with the realities on the ground in the country.

     

    The statements by the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives gives a picture of one that is deluded by the paraphernalia of the Office of the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives to think that the Federal House of Representatives is a parallel government in Nigeria.

     

    The carelessness, as well as the recklessness in the statements credited to the Speaker, is indicative of a grand plot by some unscrupulous elements within and outside government circles to discredit the efforts of the Muhammadu Buhari led administration in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria, as well as the securing the lives and properties of Nigerians in Nigeria and in the Diaspora.

     

    This is given the undeniable fact that the security of lives and properties is the primary responsibility of government and the Muhammadu Buhari led administration has been tackling the various issues with all the seriousness that it deserves.

     

    It is indeed ironic that the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives has chosen the dishonourable path of displaying arrogance and blind ambition to play to the gallery on issues of national interest to the detriment of over 180 million Nigerians.

     

    The National Democratic Front (NDF) views with bewilderment that the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives either by omission or commission is not aware of the various efforts of the Muhammadu Buhari administration in addressing the issues in South Africa.

     

    In the same vein, Mr. Speaker must quickly come to the realization that the Service Chiefs were appointed by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and as such, they are not subject to his whims and caprices, and neither are the Service Chiefs at his beck and call.

     

    The National Democratic Front is of the opinion that that Mr. Speaker should be aware of the electrifying schedule of the Service Chiefs and come to the realisation that they cannot abandon the business of National Security for summons and meetings at the slightest of calls.

     

    Mr. Speaker must also realize that the business of national security is not rhetoric. It requires a high level of strategic thinking, which has been the case since 2015 when President Muhammadu Buhari assumed leadership of this country, and Mr. Speaker must not be seen as working against this intererst by virtue of the position he occupies.

     

    The National Democratic Front is however convinced that the utterances by Mr. Speaker are not products of substance abuse or insanity as some would want us to believe or even the baggage of dishonesty being bandied around about his criminal conviction in the United States of America.

     

    The National Democratic Front wishes to advise Mr. Speaker not to succumb to the pressure of returning to the era where members of parliament turned oversight functions and summon to heads of critical agencies as bait for extortion because that era is Gone with the Wind and any attempt to reintroduce it might come with its attendant consequences.

     

    Whatever the case, The National Democratic Front candidly advises Mr. Speaker to retrace his steps and not bow to any pressure to derail our democracy for this is not the time to play to the gallery for the task at hand requires all hands to be on deck.