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Tag: Femi Gbajabiamila

  • PDP urges Buhari, Osinbajo to make public their assets

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to publicly declare their assets.

    The party made the call in a statement issued by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr Diran Odeyemi, on Friday in Abuja.

    Odeyemi also urged the President of the Senate, Sen. Ahmed Lawan and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila to also make public their assets.

    He said that the call is important as the Code of Conduct Bureau is insisting that it could not release details of assets of the President and other top officials without their consent.

    Odeyemi said that public declaration of the assets would go along way  to convince Nigerians that the national leaders are  indeed partners in the fight against corruption.

    “The party therefore called on all high- ranking political office holders to waive the caveat placed on the Code of Conduct Bureau and make their asset known to Nigerians,” he said.

    Read Also: Buhari, Osinbajo and asset forms

    He recalled that former Chief Justice of the Federation, Walter Onnoghen was prosecuted for not declaring in full his asset.

    He advised that other top government officials should submit themselves for public scrutiny through public declaration of what they own as asset.

    “We are of the opinion that Buhari,  Osinbajo, Lawan and Gbajabiamila should declare openly their assets to allow Nigerians to further see how much wealth they have acquired since joining government,” he said.

    Odeyemi urged  Buhari and other top government officials to be more coordinated and exhibit transparency not only in fighting graft but in their dealings with Nigerians.

    NAN

  • APC greets Gbajabiamila, Sanwo-Olu

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has felicitated with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, on his 57th birthday.

    The party also greeted Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as he marks his 54th birthday.

    The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu said: “The APC family attest to Gbajabiamila’s exemplary qualities as a cerebral lawmaker, detribalised Nigerian and a loyal party man who has consistently defended internal democracy, party loyalty, discipline and above all, national interest.

    “A testament to Gbajabiamila’s pedigree and appeal was in full display during his recent landslide speakership election victory, which transcended party affiliations.

    “The support of the National Assembly remains critical to enable the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration deliver on our Change Agenda and Next Level manifesto. As Minority Leader, Majority Leader and now Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, Gbajabiamila’s colleagues have found in him a consensus builder, who is committed to ensuring best legislative practice and cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government.

    “Under Gbajabiamila’s leadership, we are confident that the 9th House of Representatives will support critical legislative intervention to drive the developmental, social investments and empowerment programmes for our people.”

    Read Also: APC Women leader greets Sanwo-Olu at 54

    The statement added that Sanwo-Olu’s birthday, coming just less than a month after he assumed the mantle of leadership of the Centre of Excellence, could not have come at a more auspicious time.

    It said: “The party is delighted to celebrate the governor who, has within a very short time, left no one in any doubt of the positive direction he plans to take Lagos in the next four years.

    “The APC while acknowledging the multifaceted challenges confronting Lagos state, affirms the governor is ready to walk his talk against the backdrop of his administration’s pro-people actions and policies in the last one month.

    “Our great party is confident that Lagosians would not have any cause to regret voting this embodiment of hard work, commitment, loyalty and a man of vision and ideas into office as their governor.

    “We wish the governor a very happy birthday and pray to God to imbue him with wisdom and sound health to run the affairs of the state successfully for the next four years.”

  • Court quashes charge against Gbajabiamila

    A high Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Bwari has voided the charge brought against the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila by a political party, the African Peoples Party (APP) and one other person before the Grade 1 Area Court, Karishi, Abuja.

    The applicants – APP and Anas Isa Mohammed – had claimed that Gbajabiamila lied on oath while filing Form CF001 issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the last general elections, by stating that he was never convicted.

    The Area Court subsequently summoned Gbajabiamila based on the claim by the applicants, a decision the House of Reps Speaker challenged before the High Court of the FCT, via an application for judicial review, for an order of certiorari, brought pursuant to section 12 of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Area Courts Act, 2010, Order 44 Rule (A) and (2) of the High Court of the FCT Rules 2018.

    Based on Gbajabiamila’s application, Justice Othman Musa of the High Court, Bwari, the FCT ordered a stay of the order by the Area Court and the transfer of previous proceeding in the case to his court for review.

    In a judgment on Wednesday, Justice Musa quashed the proceedings before the Area Court at Karshi, including the charge that the Area Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain and determine the matter.

    “The lower court acted recklessly in a matter it has no jurisdiction to do so,” Justice Musa held.

    In the suit marked: FCT/HC/BW/M/267/19, the judge further held that the allegation of disciplinary proceedings levelled against Mr. Gbajabiamila does not amount to a criminal conviction by a court.

    Consequently, the court declared that the proceedings and decisions of the Grade 1 Area Court of May 30, are “unconstitutional, ultra vires, null and void.”

    Delivering the verdict, Justice said if a false information was given by Gbajabiamila in the course of filing out his INEC Form CF001 as alleged by the respondents, a criminal charge ought to have been filed against the Speaker at either the Federal High Court or the FCT High Court as prescribed by the Electoral Act as amended.

    Read Also: Gbajabiamila: The ‘Speaking Speaker’ at 57

    “The 1st respondent (APP) is not a legal officer of INEC. Criminal matters are only enforceable by a law enforcement agency. I so hold,” the judge said.

    Citing the Supreme Court of Nigeria in the case of Amaechi Versus INEC 2008, Justice Musa averred that an indictment by a mere disciplinary committee or commission that is not a court of law recognised by the constitution does not amount to a criminal conviction.

    “The order of 26 February, 2007 of the State Bar of Georgia, United States of America against Hon Gbajabiamila does not amount to a criminal offence known by any Nigerian law.

    “I, therefore, hold the view that the direct criminal complaint against Gbajabiamila was misconceived.

    “Having dutifully combed through all the facts and the laws that have been presented before the court, and having soberly reflected on the robust arguments of counsel in the matter, I am satisfied that the reliefs of the application (Gbajabiamila) are granted.

    “Consequently, an order is hereby made nullifying the entire proceedings of the Grade 1 Area Court, Karishi, Abuja. The charges in suit no: CR/349/2019 and Motion No: M/19/2019 between African Peoples Party (APP) Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila are hereby quashed,” Justice Musa said.

  • Photos: Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu others honour Gbajabiamila as Speaker

    Governor of Lagos state Babajide Sanwo-Olu, National leader of the All Progressives Party Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other dignitaries on Sunday honoured the new speaker of the ninth Assembly Femi Gbajabiamila at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    National Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during a reception in honour of Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as new Speaker of House of Representatives, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Sunday
    Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; National Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and his wife, Salamot during a reception in honour of the Speaker, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Sunday

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Plateau State Governor, Barr. Simon Lalong; National Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat during a reception in honour of the Speaker, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Sunday
    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (middle), exchanging pleasantries with Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (right) while wife of the Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, watches during a reception in honour of the Speaker, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Sunday

  • We’ll not let Nigerians down, says Speaker

    HOUSE of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila on Monday assured Lagosians and Nigerians that the House will not let them down in the discharge of its duties.

    Gbajabiamila spoke at a thanksgiving service organised by the House of Representatives member from Kosofe Constituency, Prince Rotimi Agunsoye, at the Victory Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Magodo.

    The service officiated by Pastors Toyin Olamilekan and Charles Kpandei was witnessed by the Lagos State governor’s wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor’s wife Oluremi, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, House of Representatives members Jimi Benson, Ademorin Kuye and Dr. Samuel Adejare, Chief Tunde Temionu, Lagos white cap chiefs and other All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains.

    Thanking God for Agunsoye’s re-election, Gbajabiamila described him as a rock that had been consistent in his support for his aspiration.

    He reflected on the battle for the number four citizen, thanking Lagosians for standing by him since 2015 when he nursed the ambition.

    The Speaker, who thanked Lagosians, especially Surulere Constituency, for electing him for the fifth time, promised to always live up to expectation.

    Agunsoye said he had made it a tradition to come before God for thanksgiving after achieving any political leap.

    Accompanied by his wife, Yinka, the former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs said he would not compromise his position as a public officer.

    Read Also: I will use my office to benefit Nigerians — Gbajabiamila

    Agunsoye stressed: “I declare again that, today, June 23, 2019, I will never in any way compromise my service to God. I will not miss anything with serving God. If I do that, He should not answer my prayers.

    “I will not compromise my position in moving this nation forward.”

    Agunsoye noted that he had requested the pastors to pray for the nation and those that would emerge after the primaries and general elections.

    He added: “I said if Abuja will not be possible, God, don’t let them take Lagos from us. I thank God. Governor Sanwo-Olu has always come to this church to thank God for me when I became Special Adviser on Urban and Physical Planning, Commissioner and when I first won election into the House of Representatives.”

     

  • Oba Akiolu to Fed Govt: return seized properties to Lagos

    The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has urged the Federal Government to return properties it forcefully took from Lagos State.

    The monarch urged House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila to use his position as the fourth citizen in the national leadership hierarchy to help Lagos retrieve the properties.

    Oba Akiolu made the plea when Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led the Speaker and his deputy, Idris Wase, on a visit to the palace at the weekend.

    The monarch said he had “valid documents” to lay claims to the properties, which he said were taken during the military era.

    He said some of the properties dated back to the 19th century.

    He said: “We have a catalogue of requests from the Federal Government, from special status for the state to the return of all properties belonging to Lagos State Government, which were taken away by military fiat. We want the properties returned to us.”

    Read Also: Buhari not materialistic, says Oba Akiolu

    The monarch said the state must fight for the retrieval of the properties, which include CMS Grammar School and First Bank building on Lagos Island.

    According to him, they must be harnessed for improved service delivery to the people.

    “I have documents in my possession, which date back as far as 1800s, showing the ownership of all the properties from CMS Grammar School to the First Bank building in Lagos. These properties are needed back for the improvement of our people,” Oba Akiolu said.

    Receiving the Speaker at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu described Gbajabiamila’s election as a great feat for the state.

    Sanwo-Olu also expressed joy that a Lagosian has been entrusted with the speakership of the Lower Chamber of the National Assembly.

    “We’re happy that as a Lagosian, you are the Speaker of the House of Representatives. This means a lot to us in the state. But beyond being a Lagosian, we’re happy that Nigeria is blessed with a great personality as her Speaker. We know that you will work for the good of the country,” he said.

    The governor informed the Speaker that Lagos deserved more from the Federal Government and said he hoped that Gbajabiamila would use his office to better the lot the state.

    Gbajabiamila described his “home-coming” as very emotional, noting: “It feels really great to be welcomed home by your people.”

    The Speaker noted that Lagos is his home, but Nigeria is his seat.

    He promised to be fair to every Nigerian while administering the House of Representatives.

    The Speaker promised better collaboration between the Federal and Lagos State government, saying so much is expected of Sanwo-Olu to deliver the dividend of democracy.

     

  • Be father to all, Olatubosun urges Gbajabiamila

    Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila has been admonished to be a father to all.

    A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus in the House, Olajide Olatubosun, enjoined his colleagues across all political divides to support presiding officers to enable Nigerians reap dividends of good governance.

    Read Also: Lawan, Gbajabiamila restate commitment to electoral reforms

    In a statement yesterday, Olatubosun said: “I congratulate Femi Gbajabiamila and the Deputy Idris Wase, the elections are over and I believe we are all winners. I also pledge my support and loyalty to the House leadership, and to our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). I was driven by a patriotic zeal and determination to inject fresh ideas into the House of Representatives and the country’s legislative business by leading a House that will prioritize the needs of our people, cooperate with the executive to deliver good governance, and help the President take our people to the Next Level of prosperity and abundance.

    “I call on the House leadership to be magnanimous in victory by carrying all lawmakers along irrespective of their political affiliation. As a dedicated and responsible party man, I join others to pledge my support to the leadership. I call on my colleagues to do same so that together we can move the country forward.”

  • Breaking: Osinbajo, Gbajabiamila meet in Aso Rock

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday met behind closed doors with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.

    The meeting started around 3.05pm at the Vice President’s office.

    Read Also; Gbajabiamila inaugurates 3 adhoc committees for take off of proceedings

    He arrived along with some members of the lower chamber of the National Assembly.

    The meeting was termed ‘private’.

    It was still in progress at the time of filing this report.

  • Ajide lauds Gbajabiamila’s choice as speaker

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has been described as a competent and commendable choice to lead the lower chamber.

    According to the chairman, Surulere Local Government Area, Tajudeen Ajide, Gbajabiamila has made Surulere proud.

    Gbajabiamila, representing Surulere I federal constituency in Lagos,  emerged the 9th Speaker of the Federal House of Rep by flooring his main challenger who represents Chanchaga Federal Constituency, Umar Mohammed Bago.

    The chairman, in a statement made available to The Nation, said: “Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, as Speaker of the House of Representatives, is a competent and commendable choice given his robust legislative experience and constructive contributions at plenary and on national discourses.

    Read Also: Elegushi hails Gbajabiamila’s election

    “Also, I felicitate with our toiling party members and voters in Surulere Federal Constituency I on this shared glory.”

    Ajide also hailed Senator Oluremi Tinubu, saying her return as the representative of Lagos Central Senatorial district was reward for quality representation of her constituents.

    He further said: “No doubt, Nigerians eagerly await more democracy dividends from the federal government based on their hope of a greater accord between the executive and the newly inaugurated 9th national assembly.

    “Apparently, President Muhammadu Buhari’s “Next Level” agenda is achievable with the present arrangement. I equally congratulate the president and our leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for their efforts at this critical juncture of Nigeria’s democracy.”

  • COSEG congratulates Gbajabiamila, commends Buhari, Sanwo-Olu

    Just as the leadership of the House of Representatives is settling down to the business of law making, congratulatory messages continue to pour in and the recent one was from the leadership of the Coalition of Odua Self-determination Groups (COSEG), describing the election of Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker of the House as perfect and the triumph of the will of the majority.

    This message was signed by the Chairman of the Coordinating Council of the Coalition of Oodua Self-determination Groups (COSEG), Mr Ifedayo Ogunlana,  who called on Hon. Gbajabiamila to use his prestigious office to move Nigeria forward on the path of greatness.

    Ogunlana said: “We congratulate Hon. Gbajabiamila as he emerged the new Speaker of the House of Representatives, while also calling on him to ensure the House of Representatives is rancour-free, so as to  revamp the economy and make laws that will move Nigeria forward. You cannot pretend not to see that Nigeria is going down due to dishonesty, promulgation of laws taking Nigeria backwards”

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu, others hail Buhari for honouring Abiola, June 12

    The group called on the new leadership of the House of Representatives to work in concert with the executive without losing its independence and the welfare of poor Nigerians should be uppermost in the minds of all law makers.

    The group commended  President Muhammadu Buhari for naming Abuja Stadium as MKO Stadium and declaring June 12 as the genuine Democracy Day.

    Ogunlana stated that President Buhari has written his name in gold for not forgetting the man that brought real democracy to Nigeria.

    “This is a man that sacrificed his life for democracy to be entrenched. MKO Abiola’s name will continue to disturb not only those who killed him, but also those who, because of their wickedness, refused to recognise this great man.

    “We shall continue to demand that Chief MKO Abiola be declared former president and be given the rights and privileges attached to that office to complete the honour he deserves for the sacrifice of his life for the attainment of democracy in Nigeria,”Ogunlana said.

    The group commended the new governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu, for his commitment to good governance, steadfastness, transparency and unbiased attitude as regards his readiness to fully complete the abandoned projects of his predecessors.