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Tag: Femi Gbajabiamila

  • Lawyer abandons client who seeks to sack Gbajabiamila as lawmaker, Speaker

    It was an unusual development at the Federal High Court, Abuja on Friday as a lawyer abandoned his client and informed the court that he was no longer interested in representing him.

    Akeem Olasupo had always represented Philip Undie, the plaintiff in a suit that seeks to sack Femi Gbajabiamila from the House of Representatives and to also prevent him from contesting the position of Speaker until on Friday when he threw in the towel.

    Olasupo was absent in court on Friday when the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/539/2019 was called. But Michael Ayan, who stood in for Olasupo, conveyed his unusual message to the court, but gave no reasons for his action.

    Ayan said although the case was slated for further mention yesterday, “I want to inform the court that the plaintiff’s lawyer said he no longer wants to appear in the case again.

    “Olasupo Akeem, who is representing the applicant, is no longer interested in representing the plaintiff in this matter,” Ayan said.

    Lawyer to Gbajabiamila, Femi Adedeji, queried Olasupo’s decision to withdraw his appearance without withdrawing the case.

    Read Also: Fayemi congratulates Lawan, Gbajabiamila

    Lawyers to the other defendants did not oppose Oladipo’s withdrawal as plaintiff’s lawyer, but noted that he ought to have withdrawn the case too.

    Ruling, Justice Inyang Ekwo granted Olasupo’s request to withdraw from the case.

    “The plaintiff’s counsel withdrew from the case, but he did not withdraw the case, meaning the case is still before this court,” the judge said.

    Justice Ekwo noted that the lawyer’s withdrawal has made it impossible for the court to proceed with the hearing of the case at this stage.

    “This court will grant a short adjournment to enable the plaintiff get a new lawyer or conduct his case himself,” he said.

    The judge said he will, on the next adjourned date, hear the preliminary objections filed by the defendants along with the substantive suit.

    He also said the court will deem adopted, all processes filed by a party that is absent on that day. He adjourned to June 17, 2019 for hearing.

    Defendants in the suit are Femi Gbajabiamila, House of Representatives, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and All Progressives Congress (APC).

    It is Undie’s contention that, in view of a decision by the Supreme Court of the State of Georgia, Atlanta, USA “in suit no. 506Y0829, in the matter of Femi Gbaja, the 1st defendant (Gbajabiamila) is not fit and proper person to be elected to the House of Representatives and/or to the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    The plaintiff wants the court to declare that the 1st defendant is not a fit and proper person to be elected as a member of the House of Representatives and/or as the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

  • APC excited as Lawan, Gbajabiamila triumph

    The Ninth National Assembly was inaugurated on Tuesday, with Ahmed Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila elected Senate President and House Speaker.

    Ovie Omo-Agege and Ahmed Idris Wase are their deputies.

    Lawan  (Yobe North) polled 79 votes to defeat Ali Ndume (Borno), who scored 28 votes. Gbajabiamila got 281 votes to Umar Bago’s 76

    “Omo-Agege scored 68 votes to beat Ike Ekweremadu, with 37 votes for the deputy Senate president’s seat

    Wase emerged  unopposed as deputy Speaker.

    Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA)  Mohammed Sani- Omolori conducted the  elections in both chambers. He left for the  House of Representatives  after leaving the Senate at about 2:20pm

    The election was not without drama, as there was uproar in the Senate when Sani-Omolori announced that the open Secret ballot would be used.

    Sani-Omolori said its use was as contained in the Senate Standing Orders 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of 2015.

    The announcement did not go down well with majority of the senators-elect.

    Senator Jibrin Barau (Kano North), who obtained an injunction for the use of open ballot as contained in the Senate Standing Order 2011, challenged the Clerk.

    Barau asked the Clerk if he did not receive a court order on the issue

    Sani-Omolori answered in the negative, insisting that the business of the day was election of Senate president   and deputy Senate president.

    He told the senators-elect that no question or motion would be entertained.

    The lawmakers-elect, he explained, did not have any say on the issue, especially when the election would be conducted in accordance with the Senate Standing Order 2015.

    After order was restored, Sani-Omolori directed the Senate Clerk, Nelson Ayewoh, to take the roll call to establish the number of senators-elect in the chamber.

    On being told  that 107 senators-elect were present, the clerk called for nominations for the Senate president.

    Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) nominated Lawan and he was seconded by Senator Solomon Adeola (Lagos West).

    Lawan accepted his nomination and promised to work for the country’s unity and progress, if elected.

    Senator Ishaku Elisha (Adamawa North) nominated Ndume and he was. seconded by Senator Ndidi Barinada (Rivers East).

    Ndume accepted his nomination and promised to unbundle the Office of Senate President for  senators to take charge of things.

    Voting began at  10.50am and ended at 11.56 am.

    Around noon, Sani-Omolori announced: “Today, 11th of June, 2019, gathered in the Senate chamber are 107 Senators-elect. 107 Senators-elect cast their votes.

    “After voting and counting of votes, Senator-elect Ahmed Lawan received 79 votes. Senator-elect Mohammed Ali Ndume received 28 votes. Total votes cast 107.

    “On the strength of this, Senator-elect Ahmed Lawan, having scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared winner and returned elected President of the Ninth Senate.”

    The Omo-Agege floored Ekweremadu

    For the deputy Senate president, Senator Chukwuka Utazi (Enugu North) nominated Ekweremadu and he was seconded by Senator Rose Okoh (Cross River North).

    His nomination came after Senator Ahmed Baba Kaita (Katsina North) nominated Omo-Agege and was seconded by Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (Niger North).

    Ekweremadu was deputy Senate president for 12 years – serving for eight under Senator David Mark and four under Senator Bukola Saraki.

    Omo-Agege and Ekweremadu accepted their nominations.

    Omo-Agege promised to assist Lawan to perform his functions.  Ekweremadu said the election of the deputy Senate president would be a referendum on the April 18, 2018 invasion of the Senate.

    Ekweremadu told reporters that he contested the election to make a statement on last year’s invasion of the Senate,

    He said: “For over 20 years, I have been very busy with politics and governance. So, I think I can have a rest and reflect on other things.”

    On why he contested, Ekweremadu said: “I believe there must be a referendum. Look at what happened on a day I was presiding and the chamber was invaded.

    “I wanted a situation where we could present a referendum in respect of what transpired.”

    Asked at what point he took the decision to contest, he said: “Early this morning, we were not minded to run for any office, we thought that our friends in APC will present a consensus candidate that we can all be proud of.

    “We need to exonerate ourselves. It was not a contest to win or lose. I wanted to make a statement.”

    In a statement, Ekweremadu congratulated  Lawan and Omo-Agege, saying he appreciated his colleagues, constituents, and Nigerians for their supportt.

    Ekweremadu said on his social media handles: “I congratulate Senator Lawan and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege on their elections.

    “I specially appreciate my colleagues, who supported me as I vied for the office again to preserve the hallowedness and honour of the Senate and uphold equity as a priceless ingredient for building a Nigeria of our dreams.

    “I have made my point and my colleagues have made their choice. It is now for us all to join hands across all divides to work for the success of the Ninth Senate and National Assembly as well as the peace and prosperity of our nation.”

    Read Also: Lawan, Gbajabiamila: Triumph of party supremacy

    At the House, Gbajabiamila won  by a landslide, securing 281 votes to Bago’s 76, out of a total of 358 votes.

    Two members were absent; one vote was invalid.

    Bago congratulated Gbajabiamila even before the  conclusion of the counting of votes.

    The voting took less than two hours; there were two voting points.

    Some members made sure that Gbajabiamila, Wase and Abdulmumin  Jibrin displayed their ballot papers after voting before casting it.

    No member attempted to display how he or she voted to Bago, who sat on the third row.

    There was pin drop silence during the sorting of ballot papers, which was witnessed by Jibrin, Linda Ikpeazu, Mark Gbila and Yunusa Ahmad.

    Members began jubilating and congratulating Gbajabiamila before the Executive ended.

    After the sorting, Jibrin bowed and touched the floor with his forehead and went to hug Gbajabiamila.

    Buhari: new dawn is here

    President Muhammadu Buhari led the way yesterday in  congratulating Senate President Ahmed Lawan and Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila.

    In a statement by his  Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President also saluted members of the National Assembly for their patriotism and non-partisanship before and during the presiding officers’ election.

    Buhari noted the transparent and fair nature of the exercise, adjudging it as a plus for democracy.

    He described the election of Lawan and Gbajabiamila as “a new dawn, different from duplicity and perfidy of the immediate past.”

    The President urged the winners to use their exalted positions for the higher interest of the country’, the people and the growth of democracy.

    He said: “The executive does not desire a rubber stamp legislature. While the separation of powers is essential, collaboration among all arms of government should be the name of the game. Opposition need not be virulent.”

    “Stepping into the Next Level, the legislature has a big role to play for the goals of the administration to be achieved.” This is for the ultimate good of the nation.”

    The President implored those who lost to be gallant and join hands with the victors who should be magnanimous and eschew vindictiveness.

    “At the end of the day, we, the people, who elected our representatives at the national level, are the winners,” the President said.

    Put Nigerians first,  says Saraki

    Former Senate president Bukola Saraki, in his message, hailed Lawan, Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, Gbajabiamila, and  Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase.

    “Congratulations to Senate President Lawan, Speaker Gbajabiamila, Deputy Senate President Omo-Agege and Deputy Speaker Wase as they begin their journey as presiding officers of the 9th National Assembly.

    “As you set forth on your legislative endeavours in the next four years, I ask that you always put the Nigerian people first in all that you do and protect the integrity of the legislative institution.

    “I wish you all, Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, utmost success as you work to serve our nation and its great people,” Saraki said.

    Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North Orji Kalu also congratulated Lawan, Gbajabiamila.

    He also hailed Omo-Agege and Wase on their election.

    He extolled the virtues of the presiding  officers, noting that they will develop and sustain a harmonious relationship with the executive and judiciary arms of government.

    Kalu described the presiding officers as experienced parliamentarians with the capacity to drive the National Assembly.

    He said:  “The new leadership of the National Assembly symbolises a new era in the history of Nigeria.

    “Senate President Lawan and Speaker Gbajabiamila have the political capacity, legislative experience and administrative acumen to steer the affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives.

    “Also, Senator Omo-Agege and Hon. Wase will perform well in their new roles.”

    The Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC) described the election of Lawan and Gbajabiamila as a good omen.

    A statement by its spokesman, Alex Kalejaye described Lawan as arguably one of the most patriotic, well-cultured, and disciplined senators in the country.

    It described Omo-Agege,  an experienced political tactician, and loyal party man.

    “We heartily rejoice with the National Assembly, and congratulate the Senate President, his deputy, the Speaker, his deputy and other elected officers on their elevation”.

    It added: “Lawan has repeatedly promised to lead a Senate that is devoid of rancour, work harmoniously with the other arms of government, without compromising the independence of the legislative arm. We trust that these would be the hallmarks of his tenure as the President of the Senate.

    “We commend the dexterity, and efforts of all the leaders of APC, particularly that of the National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, for this laudable feat.

    There was jubilation in Yobe, Lawan’s home state, over his election. Some people said his emergence reflected  the national interest.”

    In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu , the state capital they prayed for his success in office.

    The  Zanna Dujima of Bade, Alhaji Muhammad Gagiyo, described the election of Lawan as a new dawn for patriotism and  national development.

    He said: “Nigeria now has a committed Senate President with a passion to serve the country and improve peoples’ lives.  The Senate President has over the years exhibited commitment with quality representation of his constituency. We are  optimistic that he will provide the required leadership to the senate to see national service over and above selfish interests.”

    An APC member, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman,, said the new leadership would provide the support to move Nigeria forward.

    He added: “Sen. Lawan has the required leadership skills for a friendly and productive senate.”

    The Majidadin Bade, Alhaji Mamman Suleiman, described Lawan’s election as well timed  one to support the policy and programmes of  President Buhari.

    This is our finest hour, says Oshiomhole

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman Adams Oshiomhole is excited over his party’s triumph in the National Assembly leadership elections

    “This is the party’s finest hour”,  he told reporters at the National Assembly Ccomplex yesterday.

    Speaking  with reporters after Gbajabiamila’s election, Oshiomhole said: “For those who thought something was wrong with the APC, I think the outcome of the Senate election will humble them, not just for the victory but for the size of the defeat.

    “They insisted on secret ballot which is not good enough because in parliament the constituents must know how their representatives are voting. That will be the basis of supporting them in the future. But if the vote is secret, it means that they are not accountable.

    “But they insisted that it must be secret ballot. It is okay. We have worked hard to let our people  recognise that Nigerians, with their eyes open, gave the APC the executive; they also gave us the overwhelming majority in the two arms of the National Assembly. I think that in doing that, they expect that this time around APC would have no excuse not to deliver.

    “We cannot say that we are being blocked by the parliament. The parliament is ours and those who don’t believe in ‘Change’ cannot be entrusted with the challenge of managing the ‘Change.’ That is why I said we must give the position of responsibility to those who believe in our ‘Change’ agenda.

    “So, today, that has been translated. You can just imagine how I feel; like a mother, we are on the verge of delivering twins in the two chambers of the National Assembly.

    “For me it is our finest hour, particularly when you bear in mind what happened in 2015. It is the mischief of 2015 that we have tried to correct, and I am happy that it has been settled.”

  • NASS leadership election: It’s time to work together, says Gbajabiamila

    HOUSE of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila yesterday spoke of the Green Chamber of his dream. He told Nigerians not to expect a rubber-stamp lower chamber and promised to hold the office in trust for all.

    In his acceptance speech after polling 281 votes to beat his only challenger, Umaru Bago, who recorded 76 votes, Gbajabiamila said there would be reform in the House but it would be gradual.

    He said probity and accountability would be his watchword.

    Gabjabiamila said: “It is my honour and pleasure to address you today as the duly elected Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives. No greater honour can be done a man than to be elected by his peers as their leader and standard bearer. This is the honour you have given me today and from the bottom of my heart I say thank you.

    “I thank Mr. President, my party leaders and colleagues across party lines for the confidence reposed in me.  I thank my wife and family for putting up with my long hours and being absent over the months but, most importantly, I thank the Almighty Allah for I see his thumb and footprints all over from the moment this campaign started.

    “Honourable colleagues, I understand that I hold this office in trust for you and Nigerians. Conscious of this sacred trust, I hereby dedicate myself to the service of this honourable House and of the good citizens of this great country, with the commitment that I shall at all times, strive to defend the constitution of our republic.

    “I equally commit myself to always observe the tenets of justice, equity and fairness in my dealings with my colleagues, and to apply the ideals of transparency, probity and accountability in my management of the affairs of this honourable house.

    Read also: Senate President Lawan: I’ll be fair to all

    ”The contest for the speakership of this Ninth Assembly is now over and its time to move on. Our country is presently confronted with a myriad of problems and it is our responsibility as members of this institution to set aside political, ideological and other differences that may distract us from the assignment the Nigerian people have sent us here to perform. There’s a lot more that unite us than divide us.

    “There is much work to be done and we must now pull together, roll up our sleeves, settle down and attend to the peoples business. Whatever political party each one of us may belong, we must be conscious of the fact that Nigerians are truly desirous of good governance and are looking to us to be the agents that will through meaningful legislation combat security, poverty, corruption and other problems and contradictions that have held our country back and stunted our development.

    “It is this message of unity and coming together that informed the theme of our campaign…nation building, a joint task.

    “We have decided to carry this theme into the operations of the Ninth Assembly. As you can see, the logo, which embodies all parties represented in the House, will be displayed permanently behind the speaker’s chair for all to see and as a constant reminder of what this Assembly is all about.

    “We must remain one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity. Our vision is very simple, and that is to use the legislative platform and the instrumentality of the law to make Nigeria a better and more perfect union.

    “My deputy, Hon Ahmed Idris and I come with a cumulative 30 year legislative experience which we intend to deploy in making our vision a reality. It was Winston Churchill that said ‘we make a living by what we get but we make by what we give a life’.

    “I found those words very profound and Hon Wase and I intend to have fulfillment through what we will be giving for the next four years.

    “There comes a time in the life and history of a people when they interrogate the past and present, review past sacrifices, miscalculations and errors and collectively decide to opt for change, peace and progress. We are at such a moment in this country. Hon colleagues of the Ninth Assembly, this is our time, this is our moment and history beckons.

    “The Ninth Assembly under my leadership is going to be a House of reforms; or, if you like, a reformed Assembly. The reforms will be dished out piecemeal and at intervals so as not to choke the system.

    “Moving forward therefore, my dear colleagues, it will not be business as usual and we will be shaking the table just a little. We will be introducing various reforms that will reposition this institution but please rest assured that they will be for the greater good.

    “On our shoulders lies the responsibility of working together as a House to safeguard the future of our great country. The House must be reformed before the country can be reformed. We simply cannot and must not fail.

    “In this regard, and so as to quickly hit the ground running, I am announcing the appointment of Hon Sanusi Rikiji, the former Speaker of Zamfara State as my Chief of Staff. Hon Sanusi comes with a wealth of legislative experience and I believe his inclusion in this Assembly will add immense value.

    “Hon colleagues, there’s much work to be done in such little time. Let’s roll our sleeves and get to work. Nigerians are waiting. God bless you all.”

  • Members-Elect drum support for Gbajabiamila, Wase

    Two members-elect of the House of Representatives, Sha’aban Sharada and Hafiz Ibrahim have called on members to vote massively for Femi Gbajabiamila and Ahmad Wase for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives.

    The members, who represent the Municipal and Tarauni Federal Constituencies of Kano State, made the call in a joint statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    The members said that the two candidates were qualified for the positions owing to their track records of knowledge, experience and capacity.

    Read Also: How the phrase ‘my dear’ can put you in trouble

     

    They said that Nigerians would benefit from the leadership of Gbajabiamila and Wase if elected.

    The members-elect said they were optimistic that their leadership would foster synergy between the two Chambers and harmonious relationship between the Executive and the Legislature.

    They said that the Gbajabiamila/Wase ticket would also enable President Muhammadu Buhari to take Nigeria to the next level.

    The inauguration of the 9th National Assembly and election of Presiding Officers is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, June 11.

  • 183 Reps-elect endorse Gbajabiamila/Wase for Speaker, deputy

    One hundred and eighty-three newly elected members of the House of Representatives yesterday endorsed Mr. Femi  Gbajabiamila as Speaker of the 9th House and Alhaji Idris  Wase as his deputy.

    The Forum of First Term Members of the House of Representatives as the group styled itself said the Gbajabiamila/Wase combination has the capacity to deliver and help take the country to the next level.

    Chairman of the forum, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said at the ‘grand endorsement’ that  they membership of the group cuts across parties and regions.

    “We have our members from PDP ADC, APGA, AA, APC,” he said.

    The members then took turns, zone after zone, to announce their endorsement of the candidates.

    Speaking for the South East, Pascal Chidozie Obi ( Imo AA ) said: ‘We met and agreed that all newly members from all the parties to cast our vote in favour of Gbajabiamila. He has all it takes to take the House to the next level because of   his unquenchable patriotism.”

    Read Also: Speakership: ex-council chiefs’ leader roots for Gbajabiamila

    Lawan Shetima, leading the North East delegation said: “through consultation we have agreed since the beginning of the project that this is ours. We will deliver our votes in totality.”

    The Southsouth Reps led by Thomas Onyetomi (PDP) said: “We are pleased with the things we have heard about you. We have resolved and come together to say that we are solidly behind you. We have been moving from place to place to canvass for votes for you.

    “We assure you that we are behind you. We are pleased at the good work and things we heard about you in the past and that your tenure will be of benefit to all of us as members. We resolved to stand solidly behind you.

    Taiwo Oluda  from the South West said: “This is our project and we are assuring you that it is a national project and we believe in the two that we will have it smooth and take Nigeria to the next level.”

    Tunji-Ojo, said the forum has the signature of 183  first termers who have  endorsed the Gbajabiamila/Wase ticket.

    The Director-General of the Gbajabiamila/Wase campaign organisation Abdulmumin Jibrin in his speech said thanked the Reps elect saying:”We aren’t taking anything for granted as we know how things turned in 2015.

    “Take this as a personal commitment and responsibilities. You need to maintain the commitment. Of course they used all kinds of negative strategies that failed, from nefarious court cases to negative propaganda.”

    Gbajabiamila said: “We need serious collaboration with the executive. The last four years we had discordant tunes, leading to stagnation, moving round in circles and the people suffered. We are looking forward to a positive 9th Assembly..”

     

  • Why Gbajabiamila should be House Speaker, by APC chieftain

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Vice-Chairman (Lagos Central) Hakeem Bamgbola has said the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila is the most qualified lawmaker to lead the lower chamber.

    Describing Gbajabiamila as the most experienced lawmaker in the House, Bamgbola said there was hardly any other candidate that can match Gbajabiamila’s qualities.

    “One of the things he is noted for is his ability to engage the floor of the House. He is a lawmaker, who really understands how to press down his cases articulately. He has exhibited a lot of strengths. His assemblage of personal principles is unparalleled,” he said.

    According to him, Gbajabiamila performed excellently as a member of the House of Representatives with great doggedness and patriotism.

    He described him as a brilliant, hardworking, committed lawmaker and party man to the core.

    “Gbajabiamila is more humble and accords everyone with due respect and a high level of courtesy. His personality is most befitting to lead the House of Reps. My understanding of him is that he knows how to manage people and situations of any nature. He is very loyal to the party and the people of his constituency.

    “One of the problems that lawmakers have with some past Speakers of the House is high handedness and personal ego. Gbajabiamila is a far cry from all these attitudes. He knows his colleagues well and understands how to relate with them,” he said.

    Read Also: Students, youths, endorse Gbajabiamila

    Bamgbola, the former Chairman of Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LDCA), added that Gbajabiamila is a core nationalist, who never allows tribalism or ethnocentrism to take preference over national development.

    “He is very eloquent and has the mastery of debate of issues on the floor of the House. The art of debating House issues has almost become a craft for Gbajabiamila. We can’t compare him to second comers or first-timers. He’s intellectually sound. That’s most obvious anytime he speaks on issues at the Chambers,” he said.

    He noted that Gbajabiamila has the ability to reach across to members of both the ruling and opposition parties during debates on matters of national importance without stepping on the toes of any sides.

  • Students, youths, endorse Gbajabiamila

    The ambition of Femi Gbajabiamila to become the Speaker of the House of Representatives yesterday received more boost from students and youth groups.

    The youth groups said Gbajabiamila is the most qualified and most favourite candidate for the office.

    The lawmaker from Surulere Federal Constituency I of Lagos State is aiming to lead the House in the ninth Assembly.

    The Speaker of Southern Youth Assembly in Nigeria, a coalition of students’ and youth groups, Idowu Odebunmi, stated this in a statement yesterday in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    Odebunmi noted that while the lawmaker was campaigning to be elected Speaker, his traducers found solace in chasing “idle dreams, employing the weapon of blackmail, using faceless groups and association to issue unintellectual, unverifiable, incoherent and watery statements in their unpatriotic bid to cause dissatisfaction between Gbajabiamila and his colleagues in the National Assembly who have hitherto resolved to elect and support him as the next Speaker for the ninth National Assembly”.

    Read Also: ‘Gbajabiamila will become Speaker unopposed’

    The statement reads: “It is a reality that every positive change comes with its own price. We, as Nigerians and Nigerian citizens, have a moral duty to stand by Gbajabiamila in paying this golden price in liberating the National Assembly without minding the ulterior motives of his traducers and their collaborators.

    “We don’t need to start introducing Honourable Gbajabiamila to the Nigerian public any-longer; his is a household name through his commitment, loyalty and humble participation in the polity of this country.

    “His character towards democratic process has been unparalleled, as his participation in the last leadership election that ushers in the outgoing Speaker Yakubu Dogara was a clear demonstration of his respect for the people.

    “This time round, he has seen reasons to visit all the stakeholders in the country without leaving any stone untouched in a realistic bid to reach out to the 360 members in the Green Chambers.

    “It is evidentially clear that distinguished Gbajabiamila is sufficiently prepared to lead the ninth National Assembly as Speaker. With him at the helm of affairs, we can rest assured that our country will spontaneously achieve unity as he possesses exceptional ability to install egalitarian value in the polity of Nigeria.

    “We don’t need a century to effect a change; all we need is effective preparation to provoke unusual transformation.”

     

  • Gbajabiamila/Wase campaign outfit debunks CUPP’s allegation

    The Gbajabiamila/Wase Campaign group on Wednesday debunked allegations against the House Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, as mere fabrications and accusations.

    Addressing reporters on Wednesday in Abuja, the nation’s capital, the Director General of the Gbajabiamila/Wase Campaign Organisation, Abdulmumin Jibrin, debunked the allegation by the Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP) that the House Leader had been convicted in the United States of America (U.S.A).

    In a prepared statement, titled: Campaign of Calumny Against Femi Gbajabiamila: Enough is Enough! he said: “In the last few weeks, the media has been awash with once again what has become a recurring fabrication of false accusations and outright lies against the person of the Leader House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.

    “The latest was a live press conference addressed yesterday (Tuesday) by someone claiming to be speaking on behalf of Coalition of United Political Party (CUPP). But for the publicity the press conference attracted, we would have simply ignored the baseless and unfounded allegations.

    “For the benefit of doubt, we wish to once again state emphatically clear that Gbajabiamila has never been convicted for any crime in the United States of America, Nigeria or any other country around the world for that matter. He has never been accused of corruption and has no corruption case hanging on his neck in Nigeria or anywhere else around the world.

    “He has not committed perjury and has never committed perjury in Nigeria or any other country of the world. He was eligible to contest in all previous elections he won and indeed eligible and qualified to contest for the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives in the ninth Assembly.”

    Read Also: Gbajabiamila vows to sue CUPP for defamation

    Jibrin said Gbajabiamila has severally and comprehensively responded to the allegations, provided clarifications and set the records straight.

    “The allegations have also been tested and struck out in our court of law. The State Bar of Georgia has also written and categorically stated that ‘there is no criminal conviction in the matter relating to Femi and he is currently an active member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia’.”

    Jibrin added: “All these facts are in the public domain. We further wish to state that Gbajabiamila has not been served any summons by a Magistrates’ Court, neither has he been notified by the Clerk.

    “We are worried that those behind these antics are trying to drag the Judiciary and our revered judges to what is clearly a hatched job. The Judiciary must not allow itself to be mixed in such cocktail of dirt.

    “This campaign of calumny is orchestrated to poison the minds of our leaders against Gbajabiamila, which has failed woefully. Now, the agenda is to smear his reputation through ‘creation of illusion of truth’, an idea of repeated lying until people are forced to believe.

    “We urge the public to disregard the falsehoods being peddled around. It is also very strange that a private citizen or organisation will be filing criminal charges against an individual. From our understanding of legal procedure, that can only be done by the state.

    “Gbajabiamila, in his usual manner, has maintained a dignified silence, knowing the truth to be a constant.

    “However, he has now instructed his lawyers to take every necessary legal step against all those involved, their three parliamentary conspirators and sponsors to seek redress and sue for defamation with immediate effect. “Indeed, Gbajabiamila, on his own, has put this matter out there in the public domain in the biography, titled: FEARLESS, written by Wale Okediran, a former colleague, six years ago on page 25, to be precise, where he comprehensively addresses the matter.

    “We remain focused and undeterred and prepared for whatever antics they may further unfold. Whatever they choose to do and however, Gbajabiamila and Ahmed Idris Wase will be on the floor on June 11 – live and direct – to be elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker to take over from Speaker Dogara, who ceases to be Speaker as from Thursday, June 6, after our valedictory session.”

     

  • House of Reps polls: The Wase factor

    As the intrigues for the leadership of the 9th National Assembly intensify, the House of Representatives presents a unique scenario. In this piece, Correspondent DELE ANOFI examines how House Deputy Leader Idris Wase, who is contesting for Deputy Speaker, adds value to Femi Gbajabiamila’s candidature for Speaker and why religion is irrelevant in the contest.

    The candidature of Idris Wase, as the Deputy Speaker has been hailed by National Assembly watchers as a political masterstroke capable of stabilizing the House of Representatives known for its volatility due to the large number of youngsters and neophytes that usually populate the chamber of 360 members.

    Wase, who represents Wase Constituency, Plateau State, is influential  and considered a great asset to the 9th House of Representatives.  Quite popular among his colleagues, like Femi Gbajabiamila, a hint of his wide acceptability among his colleagues and his political deftness was dropped with his emergence as the Deputy Majority Leader, following the demise of the former occupant of the office, Buba Jubril (Kogi) .  The office was left vacant for seven months between March and October 2018, while serious politicking and jostling was going on. Several powerful and influential legislators showed interest, including those considered very close to Speaker Yakubu Dogara. But, Wase eventually won the contest. The most striking feature of the contest was the ease of acceptability of the outcome.  No rancor or acrimony trailed his emergence.  The stabilizing role he played during the trying times of the National Assembly earned him respect and admiration among his peers, which paid off with his emergence as the Deputy Leader of  the House.

    His popularity and acceptability must have encouraged  his quest for the position of the 9th Speaker of the House  but his well known  light disposition to things of the world made his partnership with Gbajabiamila possible. In spite of his interest in occupying the most coveted  seat in the 9th House of Representatives, characteristically, he dropped personal  ambition for a national project.  Being a loyal party man, despite his huge support base among both returning and new members, unlike in 2015 when Dogara turned against this party to forged an alliance  with the main opposition to challenge  his party’s, Wase was not ready to challenge the party but to see through to the fruition of its decision..

    Also important to note is the fact that, prior to the pact, Wase’s wide acceptability is such that even if Gbajabiamila had gone alone and won, there could be rancour in the House that could fester and derail  the agenda Gbajabiamila set for himself and the House for the entire duration of the Assembly. This is why the old Wase camp, in explaining its decision to work with the Gbajabiamila camp, said it accepted the pact in the national interest, and to avert any possible crisis within the 9th House of Reps.

    Besides his popularity, Wase’s knowledge of the workings of the legislature is an asset to the Gbajabiamila partnership. Currently on his third term and with a return ticket for the fourth, the lawmaker is not only an active participant and contributor to issues on the floor of the Green Chamber and in Committee meetings, his interjections and interventions on the supremacy of and adherence to the House Standing Order/Rule are phenomenal. He is also a lawmaker keen on impacting lives through motions and bills for the benefit of the generality of Nigerians. Wase was part of Nigeria’s delegation to 2016 UN General Assembly in New York. He is also member of APC, National Executive Committee. He is also the Chairman, House Committee on Federal Character, and it is on record that the Committee recorded over 300 sessions with the Miniseries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the 7th and 8th Assembly.

    Specifically, scandal-free since the last 12 years that he has been serving as a lawmaker, Wase served as a member of several committees during the 6th and 7th Assembly, including  Committees on Emergency & Disaster (2007-2011 ); Public Service & Federal  Character (2007-2011);  Environment (2007-2011);  Area Councils (2011-2015);  Capital Market (2011-2015);  Public Accounts  (2011-2015);  Poverty Alleviation (2011-2015);  Housing & Habitat (2011-2015). Since his appointment as Deputy House Leader, by popular demand, Hon. Idris  has been proactive in ensuring the speedy passage of many executive bills which had been untouched for many months before his appointment. For instance in the first few weeks after his appointment, he led the debate of over five Executive bills some of which included the  deep offshore and inland basin production sharing contracts (amendment) bill, 2018. The Bill sought to block leakages in government revenue streams and ensure that the Federal Government maximises sufficient royalties from Production Sharing Contracts between  NNPC and International Oil Companies (IOCs). Another revolutionary bill that was meant to totally overhaul Nigeria’s corporate regime and promote ease of doing business was the Executive Bill, companies and allied matters act 1990 cap c.20, lfn 2004 (repeal and re-enactment) bill 2018, which is argument for and lobbying ensured it’s speedy passage.  Another Executive Bill that his argument drew commendations was the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Bill 2018, aimed at repositioning the Nigerian Mining Industry in order to properly position it to effectively develop and harness mining potentials in Nigeria in line with global best practices. In 2015, Wase was appointed as a member of the Governing Board of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) where he has been contributing to the development of robust legislative and democratic engagements. In  2016, he was selected as a member of the Federal Government Delegation to the 89th Session of the United Nations General Assembly held in New York, United States in August 2016.NIn June, 2018, the lawmaker was appointed as Regional Representative for West Africa to serve on the  Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) International.

    With the united Gbajabiamila-Wase pact, however, the camp of those opposed to Gbajabiamila has been thrown into great confusion, seeing the overwhelming numbers the new force has. The outcome of the fusion of the Gbajabiamila and Wase ambitions into one is the seamless consensus of the two to float and pursue with sincerity of purpose, a vibrant legislative agenda that will focus mainly on three key issues:

    1. Speedily addressing the rising spate of insecurity
    2. Tackling the endemic unemployment challenge facing the country that has heightened the poverty level amongst citizens, which has invariably exacerbate the nation’s security crises .
    3. Addressing the vexed issue of fiddling with Local Government funds by State governors, which has over the years incapacitated the Local Government administration, regarded as the closest to the grassroots in the country.

    According to insiders, the proposed Legislative Agenda will outline the step-by-step efforts to be made by the relevant Standing Committees of the House to, for instance, oversight the Defense Establishment to ensure that money appropriated for addressing security matters are duly disbursed to the agencies concerned, and also properly utilized for the purposes for which they were meant.

    Equally, it will provide in detail, what the standing committee in charge of ports will be doing to tackle the menace of port congestion, which is a prerequisite for opening up the Nigerian economy for greater inflow of foreign direct investments, thereby creating millions of jobs to curb the rising unemployment.

    Similarly, the Agenda is expected to outline urgent steps to kick-start a fresh constitutional amendment that will free the third tier of government from the shackles of some dictatorial governors by granting the much sought for LG Autonomy.

    A threat to the vibrant duo leadership of the 9th House of Representatives is the introduction of religious sentiments into the contest to discredit the Gbajabiamila/Wase ticket. The antagonists of the Gbajabiamila/Wase ticket conveniently failed to  take into account that religion has never played a key role in the determination of the leadership of the national Assembly. According to Abdulmumin Jibrin, the Director General of the Gbajabiamila/Wase Campaign Council, the Gbajabiamila/Wase partnership must have presented a serious threat to the aspirations of other contestants, which was why the religious sentiment was introduced. He regretted that the protagonists of religious factor into the contest conveniently forgot that at some point in the Senate, David Mark, a Christian was Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, also a Christian was Deputy Senate President, while Victor Ndoma-Egba, another  Christian was Senate Leader.

    For eight years there was no fuse from Muslims over this, neither was there evidence that the principal officers used their offices to convert some Muslims legislators to Christianity. Rather, many believed that the Mark-led leadership worked for the overall good of the nation. A similar scenario played out when Dimeji Bankole, a Muslim led the House of Representatives as Speaker, with Usman Bayero Nafada, also a Muslim, as deputy. There was no evidence that the two took advantage of the offices to convert Nigerians to Islam. In view of this, development analysts believe that the promoters of religiosity in the 9th National Assembly leadership contest should restrain themselves, have a rethink and work for the greater good of Nigerians. Also the supporters Gbajabiamila/Wase leadership of the House are affirming that religion should not by any circumstance be used to deprive the nation of a golden opportunity to change the current narrative about unemployment, rising insecurity, and engender good governance for the teeming citizens of Nigeria, through robust legislation, which the combination of Gbajabiamila and Wase has the potential to deliver. According to them, the ticket has great prospects of ensuring stability in the House by galvanizing majority of members towards working for the nation. The argument here is, while Gbajabiamila is a visionary lawyer whose passion for the greater good imbues him towards aggressive and somewhat impatient drive for excellence, Wase, and equally patriotic ranking lawmaker is however, calm, collected and measured in his steps, thereby revealing a tendency to ensure a tranquil atmosphere in the House, even in the face of a storm in the Green Chamber.

    Since joining forces with Gbajabiamila, the camp has witnessed monumental additions, with some key contestants  dropping their principal officer ambition to align with the new force.

    But, the key question is, should religion be a factor in the delivery of good governance to Nigerians?

  • Plaintiff withdraws suit to stop Gbajabiamila from contesting

    ARELY 14 days to the election of a new Speaker for the House of Representatives, Phillip Undie, who approached a court to stop Majority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila from contesting, has offered to withdraw the suit.

    Undie has sent a letter of authorisation to his counsel, Ayodele Temitope Justice, to file a withdrawal notice in court.

    The counsel, who confirmed on the telephone that he got the notice of withdrawal from his client, was however silent on the next step.

    In a May 27, 2019 letter, “Authorisation to file my withdrawal as plaintiff from suit number: FHC/ABJ/CS/539/2019, the plaintiff said he has got fresh facts confirming that Gbajabiamila was cleared of no criminal conviction by the Office of the General Counsel of the State of Georgia.

    Undie’s letter to the counsel reads: “I am writing to notify you of my intention to withdraw from the above referenced  legal suit wherein I sought for the disqualification of the 1st defendant from contesting the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    “It is important that I honorably discontinue the suit following the emergence of more facts indicating that the 1st Defendant, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila was cleared of no criminal conviction in the state of Georgia or any other part of the United States of America in a letter dated August 30, 2010.

    “I am also in possession of an order of the Federal High Court, Abuja dated May 22, 2018, delivered by Justice Abdu Kafarati in favour of Femi Gbajabiamila. Kindly avail me details of my legal fees in accordance with our earlier agreement. Accept my warm regards.”

    Read also: Why I changed my mind, Man explains withdrawal of suit against Gbajabiamila

    In a follow up statement, Undie said the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Adamu Abdu Kafarati had decided a similar case  in favour of Gbajabiamila on May 22, 2018.

    The statement said: “I, Philip Undie, a Nigerian Tax payer who filed a legal suit against Femi Gbajabiamila in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/539/2019 at the Federal High Court, Abuja on the let day of May 2019.

    “The suit was filed in my innocent belief that the first defendant, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila ought not to be allowed to contest for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives based on information then at my disposal that he had been criminally convicted by the Supreme Court of the State of Georgia, United States of America.

    “Since the matter was filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, I have come into possession of more facts on the alleged criminal conviction which shows beyond all doubt that the basis of the suit is found on misinformation and misrepresentation of facts.

    “One of the documents I now have is a letter dated as far back as August 30, 2010 issued by the State Bar of Georgia, the body involved in this matter and which regulates legal practice in Georgia, United States of America indicating that the 1st Defendant, Femi Gbajabiamila has no record of criminal conviction in the State of Georgia or any other part of America.

    “In fact, the letter states categorically that Femi Gbajabiamila”is currently an active member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia”.

    “In addition, I am also in possession of a copy of the decision of Federal High Court, Abuja in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/501/2015 decided by Justice Adamu Abdu-Kafarati in favour of Gbajabiamila on May 22, 2018 as the plaintiff in that case was unable to diligently prosecute the case.

    “The suit in reference was based on the same facts as the one in which I am now the plaintiff.

    “In view of the above therefore, I wish to honorably announce my decision to immediately discontinue and terminate the suit I initiated at the Federal High Court, Abuja against Hon Femi Gbajabiamila (1st defendant); House of Representatives (2nd defendant); Attorney General of the Federation (3rd defendant); All Progressives Congress (4th defendant).

    “Attached herewith are relevant processes to effect the discontinuance and termination of suit no FHC/ABJ/CS/539/2019.”

    Undie had last week asked the Federal High Court to stop Gbajabiamila from remaining in the House of Representatives over his alleged conviction in the US for fraud related offences.

    In the originating summons filed through an originating summons by his lawyer, Justice, Undie argued that “Gbajabiamila is not a fit and proper person to be elected as a member of the House of Representatives or Speaker having been convicted of $25,000 fraud by the Supreme Court of the State of Georgia, USA.”