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  • Gbajabiamila donates fire extinguishers to market women

    House of Representatives Leader Femi Gbajabiamila has donated fire extinguisher balls to market women in his Surulere Federal Constituency I of Lagos State.

    The lawmaker described fire as a natural calamity that could happen any time.

    Presenting the extinguishers at a ceremony at the popular Tejuosho Market, the House Leader said nobody prays for a fire, adding that there is need to prepare for it to minimise its devastation.

    Gbajabiamila assured his constituents that despite the defection of some All Progressives Congress (APC) legislators in the National Assembly to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the ruling party still has majority in both chambers.

    The lawmaker said those who left were the moles in the APC.

    “They don’t believe in President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-graft war. They want the looting of the treasury to continue as it was under 16 -year PDP rule. To us in APC, it’s no more business as usual. This is the era of probity and accountability.”

    Officials of Federal Fire Service educated the audience on safety of life and property during a fire outbreak.

    They demonstrated the use of the extinguisher balls.

    Receiving the equipment on behalf of the market women, the Iyaloja of Tejuosho Market, Alhaja Naheemat Majek-Fadimuluyi, and her counterpart from Idi-Araba Market, Mrs Abeni Ashimolowo, thanked Gbajabiamila for the gesture.

    The market leaders pledged the support of their members to the House Leader in realising his political ambition.

     

  • Defection: APC remains strong, says Gbajabiamila

    House of Representatives Leader Femi Gbajabiamila said yesterday that the  exit of some National Assembly members from the All Progressives Congress(APC) would not undermine the strength or the popularity of the ruling party.

    Gbajabiamila spoke in Lagos while presenting fire extinguishers and balls to traders in markets in his Surulere constituency.

    Five  markets in Surulere benefitted from the items presented by the lawmaker at the New Tejuosho Ultra-Modern Market.

    Gbajabiamila said the APC remained strong despite the defection of lawmakers mainly to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He maintained that the development had not eroded the faith of Nigerians in the ruling party.

    “It is no more news that some National Assembly members announced their defection from our great party to other political parties.

    “For some of us in the House, we had expected it. There had been so much noise about the defection plans before Wednesday both at the Senate and the House of Representatives.

    “In fact, what they were saying was that about 80 or 70 of them were leaving, but at the end of the day, the threat did not reflect the reality, as only about 32 or so left the APC.

    “Let me assure you that the APC is still much on ground, even with the defection. The party still remains strong despite the development.

    “Go to the North, the South, the East, the popularity of the APC is soaring by the day. Nigerians have great faith in our party.

    “This defection will not distract the APC from its course of doing its best to the generality of Nigerians,” he said.

    The lawmaker said the majority of those who defected used to be in the PDP and had returned to where they truly belonged.

    He explained that the APC was built on strong and sound development ideologies that were only shared by genuine leaders.

    Gbajabiamila said the presentation of the items was in fulfilment  of his electoral promise to impact on his constituents.

    The lawmaker said the gesture was also to help promote safety in the markets in the area, with the ultimate goal of protecting lives and property.

    Gbajabiamila thanked the people of Surulere for their support for him, saying he would continue to do his best as their representative.

    The Market Leader of Tejuosho Market, Alhaja Naheemat Fadimuluyi, thanked the lawmaker for the items, promising good use by her market and other markets.

    She said the leadership of markets in the area would also engage traders on the need to adopt safety precautions against fire outbreaks.

  • Defection: APC remains strong, says Gbajabiamila

    The Leader of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, on Friday said the exit of some National Assembly members from the All Progressives Congress(APC) would not undermine the strength or the popularity of the ruling party.

    Gbajabiamila spoke in Lagos while presenting fire extinguishers and balls to traders in markets in his Surulere constituency.

    Five markets in Surulere benefited from the items presented by the lawmaker at the New Tejuosho Ultra-Modern Market.

    Gbajabiamila said APC remained strong despite the defection of lawmakers mainly to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He maintained that the development had not eroded the faith of Nigerians in the ruling party.

    “It is no more news that some National Assembly members announced their defection from our great party to other political parties.

    “For some of us in the house, we had expected it. There had been so much noise about the defection plans before Wednesday both at the Senate and the House of Representatives.

    “In fact, what they were saying was that about 80 and 70 of them were leaving, but at the end of the day, the threat did not reflect the reality, as only about 32 or so left the APC.

    Read Also: Defections, indication opposition is set to rescue Nigeria – Okowa

    “Let me assure you that the APC is still much on ground, even with the defection. The party still remains strong despite the development.

    “Go to the North, the South, the East, the popularity of the APC is soaring by the day. Nigerians have great faith in our party.

    “This defection will not distract the APC from its course of doing its best to the generality of Nigerians,” he said.

    The lawmaker said the majority of those who defected used to be in the PDP and had returned to where they truly belonged.

    He explained that APC was built on strong and sound development ideologies that were only shared by genuine leaders.

    Gbajabiamila said the presentation of the items was in redemption of his electoral promise to impact on people in Surulere.

    The lawmaker said the gesture was also help promote safety in the markets in the area, with the ultimate goal of protecting lives and property.

    He urged the traders to put the fire prevention materials to good use in order to protect lives and valuables from fires.

    Gbajabiamila thanked the people of Surulere for their support for him, saying he would continue to do his best as their representative.

    Also speaking, the APC Chairman in Surulere,Alhaji Shakiru Ajao, commended the people for their faith in the party and the lawmaker.

    He said the party would continue to deliver the goods to better the lots of the people of the area.

    The Market Leader of Tejuosho Market, Alhaja Naheemat Fadimuluyi, thanked the lawmaker for the items, promising good use by her market and other markets.

    She said the leadership of markets in the area would also engage traders on the need to adopt safety precautions against fire outbreaks.

    The market leader also promised to support Gbajabiamila in his efforts at impacting on lives in Surulere.

    Officials of the Federal Fire Service in Lagos were at the occasion to demonstrate how to use the safety materials to traders.

  • No parallel congress in Lagos APC, says Gbajabiamila

    THE majority Leader in the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that there was no parallel state congress in Lagos by the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC). According to him, the authentic congress was conducted by the electoral committee sent from Abuja, and it was held at the party secretariat in Ikeja.

    The congress was monitored by the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security operatives, he stated. He said there was no parallel executive in Lagos APC; the only recognized executive is the one headed by Tunde Balogun. He admonished those trying to cause division to retrace their steps and return to the APC fold. Gbajabiamila spoke in Lagos yesterday at the launch of the new edition of his empowerment programme tagged “Gbajabiamila Ride.”

    The event was designed to empower members of his Constituency (Surulere 1 Federal Constituency). In his address, Gbajabiamila recalled that in 2015, he had wanted to be Speaker of the House of Representatives, “but God in His wisdom opted for the position of House Leader. As you all know that the mileage we have achieved today became possible through the coordinated effort of all the critical stakeholders in this constituency from the councilors, Surulere Council Chairman, our state lawmakers and my humble self. “We have been working tirelessly to ensure that the dividends of democracy spread to greater number of people in our constituency particularly ensuring that Surulere reaps the full benefit of having their son as Majority Leader in the National Assembly.

    “We have provided jobs, federal political appointments and federal projects which as Majority Leader, I was able to attract to Surulere. We are here today to witness yet another empowerment programme for the youth of our constituency – the multi-layer transportation system, Gbajabiamila ride.” Thirty new buses, 25 tricycles and160 motorcycles were given out to the beneficiaries. According to him, the programme was designed to achieve two things: “Make life easier and more abundant for Surulere residents by easing transportation, and provide economic empowerment to beneficiaries.” The House Leader enjoined constituents to participate in government at all level, noting that such participation assist in determining candidates for various public offices.

    “Therefore we all need to register to vote; it’s our right. Go to INEC office at small London or Nathan Primary School. For those who misplaced their cards or have their PVC damaged just apply to same office for replacement. “Let me also commend APC members for their peaceful conduct in the last party congress. We have re-engineered our party at grassroots and we will repeat same at the next APC National Convention in Abuja,” he said. Dignitaries present at the event include APC’s Lagos Central Senatorial Leader, Tajudeen Olusi, who was represented by Adetayo Oyemade, APC Vice Chairman, Lagos Central, Hakeem Bamgbola, members of House of Representatives: Ayo Joseph and Wole Diya; Lagos APC Women Leader, Jumoke Okoyo- Thomas and APC Secretary, Wale Ahmed.

  • Ambode’s wife, Gbajabiamila, others joins Lagos SSG to bury father-in-law

    Dignitaries including the wife of the Lagos State governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode; Leader, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; mother of the Senate President,  Morenike Saraki;  the Vice Chancellor,  Lagos State University (LASU), Prof Olanrewaju Fagbohun and Femi Falana (SAN), among others, joined the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tunji Bello yesterday as he buried his father-in-law, Chief Meshack Ibidapo.

    The burial service held at the African Church Arch Cathedral Bethel, Broad Street,  Lagos.

    The late Ibidapo was born November 7, 1928 and died April 3, 2018. He was 89.

    He worked with Barclays Bank (now Union Bank Plc). He is the founder of Ibidapo Contracting Services Limited  He was married to Jedesola and has eight children.

    He was buried at Atan cemetery in Yaba around 3:19 pm yesterday.

    At the burial service, the Bishop of Ife/Oshogbo Diocese of the African Church,  Rt Rev Ilesanmi Adekunle, said Ibidapo died at a good old age, adding that he lived a good life.

    “Baba lived a fulfilled life. I learnt a lot from him, there was never a dull moment in his life and I always go to him to get refreshed.

    “He touched the life of many;  the wake keep was full of testimonials of the good life he lived.  I am happy for the life he lived and the Ibidapo family will forever be in the history of this church.

    Bello said the deceased was a father to him.

    “To me he was not a father in law, he was my father.  He was a great man and I learnt a lot from him. When he was alive, one would never know if he was rich or not, he was a simple man and for that reason, I admired him.

    “He was a man that lived within his means and he taught us not to live outside what we can afford.  He was a generous giver.”

  • Ambode backs Gbajabiamila’s re-election bid

    Ambode backs Gbajabiamila’s re-election bid

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has signalled that House of Representatives Majority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila will seek re-election in 2019.

    The governor gave the indication at the inauguration of a road the lawmaker facilitated at Modele and Mathew area of Surulere Federal Constituency.

    Gbajabiamila also installed solar-powered lights on Randle Avenue and Fred Anyiam Street last Friday.

    Indications that Gbajabiamila would get a re-election happened at the weekend when the lawmaker was expressing appreciation to his constituents for the unprecedented support he got from them over the years.

    His speech at the event drove home his desire to return to the National Assembly next year.

    The moment Gbajabiamila used his first finger to indicate support he received in his first term, second finger for his second term through his fourth finger for the fourth term, the opening of his five fingers triggered the response of the governor.

    Ambode affirmed with his five fingers’ thumb-up to the delight of Surulere residents, who were celebrating the inaugu8ration of the new road the lawmaker facilitated in the area.

    Moments later, All Progressives Congress (APC) members and other residents displayed their five fingers to affirm the non-verbal consent of Ambode to Gbajabiamila’s aspiration in 2019.

    Gbajabiamila was the choice of the ruling APC in the race for the Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2015 with the incumbent Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, running in defiance to the directive of the APC and in collusion with the opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which led to the narrow defeat of the Majority Leader with six votes.

    “Your Excellency, I have no reason to fail our people in Surulere. They have been supportive and rewarded my representation with overwhelming votes in my first, second, third, fourth terms. “

  • House ’ll revisit decision on devolution of powers, says Gbajabiamila

    House ’ll revisit decision on devolution of powers, says Gbajabiamila

    THE House of Representatives will next month give the issue of devolution of power a second consideration, it was learnt yesterday.

    It followed public outrage over the rejection of its bill at the adoption of constitution review report.

    According to the Majority Leader of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, the rejection of devolution of powers during the exercise caught many of the lawmakers unaware.

    He said members will, therefore, revisit it.

    Gbajabiamila, in a statement yesterday, was optimistic at the prospect since House rules provide mechanism to rescind matters that have already been concluded by the House.

    He said: “Many of us will be asking for the issue of devolution of powers to be revisited upon resumption in September.

    “The democratic process was played out as it should be during the voting exercise. However, the process is ongoing and not concluded.

    “Under our rules, we do have a mechanism, which allows for rescission of a decision when appropriate or when new unknown facts emerge.

    “For me, it was a mistake or oversight to have lumped all items for devolution under one umbrella or subhead, titled: ‘Devolution of powers’.

    “There were about nine items, including Railways, Pensions, Arbitration, Stamp Duties, Parks and others under the subhead and members should have voted on each rather than vote in one fell swoop.”

    He added: “A member may have agreed to certain items for devolution to states and not to others.

    “The way we voted one would never know how to pass judgment on each item.

    “I believe each item should stand or fall on its own merit.

    “It is important to note that devolution of powers is baby steps and the simplest form of reconstruction not a surgical dismemberment of our country.

    “We must feel the pulse of the nation in moments like this.”

    Speaker Yakubu Dogara described the rejection as “unfortunate” at the conclusion of the exercise last week.

  • Gbajabiamila’s amazing gesture at birthday

    Hardly does a week go by without news of an earth-shaking birthday shindig thrown by one rich dude or the other. Sadly, however, these men and women of means hardly think of doing something for the common good. And when they do, it is usually a publicity stunt designed to massage their own egos. But once in a while, a public figure comes up with a deed borne out of genuine feeling for the common man and the desire to make a difference in his life.

    Step out Femi Gbajabiamila. The Leader of the House of Representatives turned 55 a few days ago. But rather than organise a lavish party to mark the occasion, the soft-spoken dude settled on the wonderful idea of using the opportunity to grant freedom to people who were held behind bars for petty offences. Femi’s prison decongestion initiative gave 40 inmates of the Kirikiri Medium Security Prison the chance to enjoy freedom by paying the fines and penalties required to secure their release.

    For Gbajabiamila, a devout Muslim, this gesture is in keeping with the spirit of the just concluded Ramadan. And in giving the 40 lucky people the chance to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr with their families, he can celebrate his own birthday with a clean and happy conscience.

  • Nigeria‘ll not break up, say Okunnu, Gbajabiamila

    Nigeria‘ll not break up, say Okunnu, Gbajabiamila

    House of Representatives Majority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila and Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN) National President Alhaji Femi Okunnu have urged those seeking to polarise the country to drop the idea.

    In separate interviews with The Nation, they said Nigeria would not break up.

    Okunnu enjoined Boko Haram, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Arewa Youths, among others, to embrace peace and work for the country’s development.

    He said: “My message is that peace in the hearts of who those want to ruin this country. Peace in the hearts of those who call themselves Biafrans; peace in the hearts of those who call themselves Boko Haram; peace in the hearts of those young persons who did not experience the civil war, who are fanning the embers of wars in the country. Peace in the hearts of those young chaps in the northern part of the country, who issued that statement to ban Igbo speaking Nigerians in the northern region. God forbid, otherwise, Nigeria would be thrown into civil war, which could lead to its disintegration. May Allah perish that thought from their hearts.”

    Alhaji Okunnu, the former Federal Commissioner for Works, said Southeasterners were not the only group marginalised.

    “The Southeast should realise that every part of the country claims to be marginalised. Every part of the country is undeveloped. So, they should embrace dialogue to move the country forward,” he said.

    Gbajabiamila urged Nigerians to be peaceful and united.

    He said: “Let us remain one. All these talks about division let it be a thing of the past. Unity, unity and unity is what we desire. I wish Nigerians happy Eid celebrations.

    “We are just coming out of one month of sacrifice and purity. We pray for this country, we pray for our president and we pray that God gives us good direction and hope things will get better.

    “Ramadan has taught us peace and unity. We should believe in God that He is the only one to give us direction.”

  • Gbajabiamila: Legislative czar at 55

    Today marks the 55th birthday anniversary of the Leader of the 8th House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila. In his usual, way this is just like any other day to give thanks to the Creator for the turn of events in his life and a sober moment to ponder on the challenges crippling the society around him.

    Unusual man who has enjoyed a very unusual love of the people. it is unusual for a man to hold Strong for 14 unbroken years in the Parliament and still wax stronger in the hearts of his people.

    Gbajabiamila represents a cosmopolitan Constituency, Surulere 1 of Lagos State, with people of mixed background and professional calls.

    Gbaja, as he is popularly called in the South and Baban Jemila to the Northerner, came to the House in 2003 at the age of 41. He first served as House Minority Whip from 2007, and later became Minority Leader, a position he held up to 2015. it was Gbaja who charted the Party from opposition to ruling Party in the Legislature.

    Gbajabiamila’s indepth knowledge of law stems from his penchant for knowledge which saw him through his study of law both in Nigeria and United State of America where he bagged a Juris Doctorate Degree in Law. He is one lawmaker that commands a lot of respect from his colleagues largely due to the way he articulates his ideas and thoughts each time he speaks on the floor of the House as his colleagues listen with rapt attention whenever he contributes to any matter.

    He contested for the position of Speaker on June 9, 2015 and narrowly lost to Speaker Yakubu Dogara with 8 votes. He was later nominated to the position of House Leader. He has never held any position in the Executive Arm but in the legislature where he serves, he has become an authority of sorts, as far as lawmaking in Nigeria is concerned. He also has a big dossier of constituency outreach that reflects his close touch with his constituents.

    In his memoir, ‘’Fearless’’ authored by foremost  writer and former President of Association of Nigerian Authors, Dr. Wale Okediran, the author noted that “Perhaps the most popular action taken by Gbajabiamila till date was the rejection of his nomination as a recipient of the 2011 National Honors in the Order of the Federation of Nigeria (OFR) category.” Gbajabiamila declined his nomination as OFR on the ground that the national award process as at then lacked credibility and would not subscribe to it until totally refined to a standard where it would be easier for camel to go through the eye of a needle. That is Femi Gbajabiamila, a stickler to high principles.

    An unassuming  and quiet politician, he is reputed for his sponsorship of Interest-Free Student Loans Bill. When passed into law, the law will allow Nigerian students in tertiary institutions have access to interest-free loans through the Nigerian Education Bank and their school authority. The loan will be payable after graduation. He also sponsored the Nigeria Immigration Act, 2015 (amendment bill) which seeks to “restrict” the issuance of work permits to foreigners by the Federal Government in fields where Nigerians have adequate expertise. Another Bill he sponsored is the National Minimum Wage (Amendment Bill) (HB. 1028). The amendment is to compel the federal government to periodically review workers’ salary every 5 years among many other people oriented bills Gbaja sponsored.

    The House Leader is known for his outstanding contributions to debate on the floor of the House. He and the current Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, usually thrill their colleagues with their arguments, but on most occasions, Gbaja would carry the day, though the later would not accept by virtue of his calling as Opposition Leader.

    Apart from his contributions on the floor, Gbajabiamila has not abused his long stay in parliament or pride himself over people of his constituency. His name resonates in his constituency like a golden bird; Gbaja Market, Gbaja General Hospital, Gbaja Girls Secondary School, Gbaja Boys Secondary School and Gbajabiamila Primary Healthcare Center. These are Lagos State Government facilities that reflect name of the senior lawmaker.

    He has utilised the opportunity given to him through projects he has attracted to his constituency and his name is registered in the heart of his people and largely Nigerians.

    “I understand the challenges we are all going through as a country but we are working seriously to ensure that we get out of recession. It’s a matter of time. We have done a lot and after this meeting I will be commissioning solar street lights we have installed at Rabiatu Thompson in Shitta, Olufemi Street, Mabo street and Iponri Housing Estate”, Gbajabiamila said amid applause from his community town hall meeting in March, 2017.

    He has matched his words with action and facilitated numerous federal projects in his constituency including distribution of 500 E-Learning Tablets with 117 Textbooks for JSS 1 – 3, SSS1-3 and SAT candidates, Novels and WAEC Past Questions to outstanding secondary school students; distribution of 5 Fully Equipped Medical Ambulances to Akerele Health Center, Surulere; Gbajabiamila Clinic, Iyun Road, Surulere; Randle General Hospital, Surulere; Gbaja Maternal and Child Care Unit of Randle General Hospital; Coker Aguda Primary Healthcare Center; Free Medical Outreach; presentation of CCTV Tool Box to 50 Youth of Surulere 1 Federal Constituency trained on Installation and Maintenance of Closed Circuit Television; a new block of 3 classrooms at Ajigbeda Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos; organized Surulere Job fair, the first of its kind in any constituency in Nigeria which led to the employment of over 300 men and women in just 2 days. It was purely an interface between job applicants and employers of labour in the State, such as Mikano, Nafdac, Lagos Inland Revenue Service, etc. Also to his credit there are many other on-going projects.

    In his role as the Leader of the 8th House of Representatives’, Gbajabiamila quickly settled for legislative business after the politics and intrigues that led to his lose during the 2015 Speakership election, Gbajabiamila as a sportsman has been working seamlessly with Speaker Yakubu Dogara to deliver on the legislative agenda of the 8th assembly which contains legislative roadmap required in achieving the aspiration of Nigerians who are impatiently yearning for good governance. Since his assumption of office, none of the executive bills he has presented on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari suffered any rejection on the floor of the House, he is a master lobbyist who has warmed his way into the hearts of his colleagues in the House.

    Upon the mandate of the House, Gbajabiamila intervened in respect of the Refusal of the Federal Ministry of Interior to compensate victims and families of deceased victims of the 2014 Nigeria Immigration Recruitment Stampede. Today they have been employed and serving in various state commands of the Immigration Service. The beneficiaries appreciated the House Leader, in a letter dated 10th February 2017

    Similarly, he intervened in respect of the protracted delay in the implementation of Automatic Job Offer for the recipients of 2014 combined sets of the NYSC Presidential Honours Award due to change in government. After Gbajabiamila’s engagement with the stakeholders, the Buhari-led government fulfilled the promise made by former President Jonathan and the Awardees have been recruited into the federal civil service.

    Again, Gbajabiamila led an intervention committee of the House that engaged Kogi State lawmakers on the crisis that crippled the state assembly in mid last year. He also led a special delegation of the House to meet with members of the South African parliament on the xenophobic attacks on some Nigerians resident in South Africa. The delegation engaged in legislative diplomacy to ensure the safety of Nigerians in that country and vice-versa.

    The House Leader is currently leading an adhoc committee of the House investigating the safety of soft drinks consumed in Nigeria. This is apart from the success he has been recording in leading government business in the 8th House of Representatives.

    As he clocks 55 today, one would only pray that Almighty Allah gives him good health and grant him wisdom to lead the House aright.

    • Olanrewaju-Smart is a media aide to the Leader of House of Representatives, Abuja