The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Gbajabiamila

  • Speakership: Gbajabiamila, Monguno move to consolidate support

    Speakership: Gbajabiamila, Monguno move to consolidate support

    •Lasun drops ambition for Lagos Rep 

    THE Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Mohammad Monguno have intensified efforts at garnering maximum support for their House leadership bids.

    This is as one of the contenders for the House Speakership, Yussuf Suleiman Lasun (Osun), dropped out of the race in support of Gbajabiamila.

    Three contenders for the Speakership have stepped down in favour of the Minority Leader.

    The campaign team of the two lawmakers yesterday said its intention was to consolidate on the gains it has made with the lawmakers already.

    Consequently, the team, it was gathered, has designed plans aimed at winning over members that were yet to make up their minds as well as those supporting other candidates.

    According to a source, the team was more emboldened to approach its objectives due to the widespread support the two contenders are enjoying.

    “The Gbajabiamila/Monguno ticket has the support of more than 80 out of the 92 members from the Northwest, while 40 members-elect from the Northeast have declared their support for the duo.

    “In the Northcentral, 80 per cent of the lawmakers there are for them. Majority of lawmakers from the Southwest have already endorsed the Gbajabiamila/Monguno ticket.

    “Our efforts now is to get more members from the Southsouth and Southeast.

    “You know Gbajabiamila is well-accepted among our colleagues, and Monguno too is a very popular lawmaker. So, what we want to do between now and next week is to intensify our campaign so that we will get members on our side,” he said.

    However, Lasun, who was earlier being touted as deputy to one of the aspirants, in a statement yesterday, said his decision to step down was as a result of the support Gbajabiamila enjoys from party leaders and members from the Southwest.

    He, however, stated that the experience of being Minority Leader has adequately prepared Gbajabiamila for the position of Speaker.

    The statement reads: “With or without zoning arrangement at the party level, I went ahead to declare my interest to contest the position of the Speaker.

    “I have gone round to engage with individual members and groups to realise this ambition.

    “But recent events have shown that the party leaders, particularly from the Southwest, have decided on the candidacy of Gbajabiamila to run for the position of Speaker.

    “As a loyal party man, I cannot do otherwise. I, Hon Yusuf Suleiman Lasun, therefore support the candidacy of Gbajabiamila.

    “I also promise to work assiduously in the coming days for the realisation if thus objective.”

  • ‘Northwest ‘ll back Gbajabiamila’

    ‘Northwest ‘ll back Gbajabiamila’

    Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has assured members of the House of Representatives canvassing for election of Hakeem Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker that all Northwestern states are in support of his candidature.

    The governor spoke when the team visited him at Kano Government House on Sunday, seeking his support.

    He assured them that APC leaders in the zone were behind him.

    Ganduje said:”I know the Southwest is solely behind you, the northwest where the highest number of voters is, is behind you. I am telling you this from the bottom of my heart.

    “We need people like you and your colleagues because we are entering into an era with serious challenges and we need a very serious legislator as Speaker of the House to cope with the challenges ahead of us.”

    Dr. Ganduje told the team that even former Kano State Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso and his followers are behind the candidature of Gbajabiamila in view of his experience, exposure and leadership potential.

    He lamented that almost all the nation’s institutions are collapsing and need surgery. The governor stressed that there is need for experienced legislators to lead the lower chamber and work hand-in-hand with the Executive arm “to put things back on the right track”.

  • Gbajabiamila is pride of Surulere

    Gbajabiamila is pride of Surulere

    With over 20 years experience in grassroots politics, ex-football international and immediate past chairman of Surulere Local Government, Hon Tajudeen Ajide, believes the emergence of Hon Femi Gbajabiamila in the race for the position of Speaker of the House of Assembly, is a big plus for the South-West, Lagos State and Surulere Constituency. He also speaks on other salient political issues in this interview conducted by Taiwo Alimi

    Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who happens to be representing Surulere Constituency, seems favoured to clinch the House of Representatives speakership, what is your take on that?

    Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila is not only a favoured candidate within our party, the APC, but he is also favoured by the people. We have many candidates in the party but he comes as the choice of the people of Nigeria, simply because of his performance in the house, which he has been for 12 years. He has made himself relevant in the house and over the years has garnered experience and goodwill of his colleagues and so has the advantage over others to clinch the speakership seat. In addition, with the kind of support he is getting from the party, it is evident that he looks good getting it.

    As a stakeholder in Surulere politics and as the immediate past chairman of the local government council, how do you feel about Hon Gbajabiamila’s candidacy?

    It speaks well of the state, which is Lagos State and of my Senatorial District, which is my district. It speaks well of the local government as well as my own ward. We are in the same ward, where we both voted during the last election and so it is a giant stride and pride of the ward and local government to have him as our leader and one of our own in the high position of Speaker of the Federal House of Representative. It is a big plus for us and we are indeed looking forward to it. It is indeed, also a good thing for the whole of the South-West.

    During the last election, what role did you play to ensure that Gbajabiamila secured your ward and the council in spite of the huge opposition, knowing that you are the immediate past chairman of the LG?

    Of course, I have been involved in so many elections and we know the rudiment of elections. Some leaders and I called for stakeholders’ meeting at the instance of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to work for the success of Hon. Gbajabiamila and the party as a whole. The meeting was well attended by party leaders and members. In addition, we have had the opportunity to create many good things in the life of our people and made impact in their lives. It is easy for us to talk to them that, this is where we are going. True, there is a lot of awareness in Nigerian   electorates now; still many of them do not know the role of our leaders in Abuja. They know those of us on ground here, so we have to sensitize them on the impact of our leaders in Abuja and how it is important to have him back and the importance of continuity. This was what we told them during the third term and why we need to have him do a fourth term. Let’s take for instance, the last election; I have to mount my polling booth, where Hon. Gbajabiamila and I voted. First, I must make sure I delivered that polling booth, which I did. Two, I must make sure that all the polling booths within my street and the area were delivered to ensure that he wins. Without winning here, it would be impossible for him to go for the speakership of the house. Therefore, the primary job was for us to deliver our home and ensure that our leader; Gbajabiamila, wins the election. Moreover, we thank God that we did.

    He was there to vote with his family and I voted there too. In that same ward, we have a high number of non-indigenes in that council, especially Igbos; we had to do extra job and mobilisation to deliver. However, because of the relationship we have with our people at all levels, we were able to win the constituency for him.

    It is also instructive to note that we lost some wards and the other constituencies; Itire Ikate and Coker Aguda LCDAs at that election and there were lessons to be learnt and that is why we need to work harder next time and get closer to the artisans and the CDAs and the CDCs, which is the community development association as the voice of the people.

    What areas do you think Gbajabiamila needs to work on to enable him emerge as the Speaker of the House of Representative?

    Gbajabiamila is an experienced person and he has been there now for 12 years. I am sure he is conversant with the terrain and with the support of the party; it would not be too difficult to get the support of our friends from all over the country. This is also the second time that the Speaker will be coming from the South-West after Hon. Dimeji Bankole and Lagosians will be glad the speakership will be coming to Lagos State for the first time.

    However, there are some areas that I think he should also look into. Politics is a complex game; he has to speak to all parties involved. He cannot afford to leave any area out of his discussion. People you think are your friends would even be working against you. Therefore, he needs to have a wider scope of lobby.

    There is a formula that you believe cannot go wrong during an election, tell us about it?

    I am a politician but to be honest, we politicians are not even up to 20 percent of voters, meaning there are about 80 percent electorates that you have to win over. My advice is that we must look at the grassroots-those that are voting. We have the formal and informal sectors, who are the highest number of people who are voting. On my street, we have many of our people from the Northern part of the country; we have food vendors, we have vulcanizers and we have mechanics, taxi drivers, fruit sellers, and other artisans in different fields and these are the people that would vote. They also form the majority of electorates that come out to vote in this country, so you have to carry them along. Isolating these set of people is dangerous to any politician because you are denying yourself of their massive votes. That is the winning formula that doesn’t go wrong.

    Your party, APC, is coming into power how would you advise President Muhammadu Buhari on the great job ahead? 

    First, he should pray for God’s guidance. That is the most important thing. He should also pray that those who will work with him should have the heart of God and the commitment to the will of the people. He should be mindful of the rot in our system and look for ways to be fair to all. Justice is vital in a country like ours and that is the only way to build sound people with sound doctrine. He should not forget that it is people that build a country and not otherwise.

  • House Speaker: Mongonu steps down for Gbajabiamila

    One of the aspirants for the office of the Speaker of House of Representatives, Mohammed Tahir Mongonu, has stepped down from the race, throwing his weight behind the candidacy of Femi Gbajabiamila.

    Mongonu, who represents Marte/Mongunu/Nganzai Federal Constituency in Borno State, said he was stepping down to contest the position of the Deputy Speaker of the House.

    Addressing a news conference at the venue of the retreat for APC members-elect of the House of Representatives, Mongonu said he decided to step down for Gbajabiamila because of his belief that as the Minority Leader of the House, he should be allowed to transmute to the Speaker of the House.

    He said the practice in advanced democracies all over the world was that having served as minority leader, “you ascend to the speakership position should your party gain the majority”.

    He said: ”After broad consultations and thoughtful consideration, I have decided not to run for the office of the speaker in the 8th Assembly. Instead, I give my full endorsement to my friend and colleague, Femi Gbajabiamila, who I believe has the requisite qualification to lead the 8th Assembly in the onerous task of addressing the important and pressing needs of the citizens of this nation. I will instead be running for the deputy speaker on a joint ticket with Gbajabiamila.

    “I am withdrawing from the race for two reasons: First, is to ensure party cohesion. As leaders of our great party, we can’t ill-afford to have a divided House if we are to deliver on the much needed change we promised Nigerians in the course of the campaign and second; Femi stands tall among our peers in terms of experience and understanding of the contours and nuances of the legislative process.”

    Mongonu added: “The convention in representative democracies the world over is that having served as minority leader, you ascend to the speakership position should your party gain the majority. The reason is simple: managing the complexities and subtleties of the legislative process is serious business. It cannot be left in the hands of anyone who desires to learn on the job.”

    “Over the years, I have come to know Femi as an exceptionally effective legislator. He leads by building consensus, listening to good ideas and putting the nation first. His outright rejection of a national award on grounds of principle tells you all you need to know about his character.

    “As our chamber’s next speaker, Femi will re-energise our institution by building the capacity we need to make our role in government more effective and more accountable to the voters.”

     

  • Northern youths back Femi Gbajabiamila for Speaker

    Northern youths back Femi Gbajabiamila for Speaker

    A Coalition of Northern Youth Associations (CNYA) has backed the aspiration of  Femi Gbajabiamila as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    Addressing a news conference in Kaduna yesterday, the group said it was not out of place for the Speaker to emerge from the Southwest, the same zone as the vice president.

    According to the group’s National President, Abubakar Mohammed, “the Southwest deserves to be well-compensated” for ensuring what he described as landslide victory for Buhari at the presidential polls.

    The group said: “For the avoidance of doubt, every member of the House of Representatives has the inalienable right to contest for any leadership position in the House. But let the truth be told, this time around, we need to separate the boys from the men.

    “Nigeria deserves the best for the Speakership position and that gentleman – geo-political or ethnic considerations notwithstanding – is Gbajabiamila.

    “He represents the new face of the 8th House of Representatives. He, till date, holds sway as the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives. Never in the history of the House has the opposition displayed acidic verve, vibrancy, tenacity of purpose and strong superior positions than now that Gbajabiamila leads the minority in the 7th House of Representatives.

    “He represents the change the House of Representatives needs under this present situation.

    “He is courageous and unblemished with a strong international connections, which will be an advantage to the House coupled with his jurisdictional experience would also be a plus for Buhari’s government.

    “He believes in Legislature, Executive camaraderie and we believe this is what the Buhari government will need to effect the much desired change in the country.

    “He is the voice for the voiceless, as he has consistently defended the Nigerian masses on the floor of the lower chamber.

    “In the light of the above, we crave the indulgence of the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to rally round and support the candidature of Gbajabiamila.”

    A former Oyo State Commissioner for Information and House of Representatives member-elect, Bosun Oladele, yesterday explained the reason many members of the Eight Assembly were rooting for Gbajabiamila as Speaker, saying the Assembly deserves the very best.

    Acknowledging that all the aspirants were qualified, Oladele insisted that “Gbajabiamila is more qualified than others by reason of his experience, exposure and competence”.

    He said the Lagos-born federal lawmaker has paid his dues and possessed the qualities required to make the next Assembly build on previous feats and pitfalls.

    He urged all members to vote for him.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC’s) member said:  “The country at this crucial period needs a Speaker who has very vast experience that can champion the desired change that will encourage robust discussion of issues and debate which eventually shall translate to good governance” .

  • Gbajabiamila Northwest’s candidate, says Chanchangi

    Gbajabiamila Northwest’s candidate, says Chanchangi

    A lawmaker in the House of Representatives, Ahmed Rufai Chanchangi (APC Kaduna), has said his geopolitical zone will support Minority Leader’s Femi Gbajabiamila’s bid to become the Speaker.

    According to him, of the 90 members-elect from the Northwest,  75 to 80 are in support of Gbajabiamila’s candidacy.

    Chanchangi, who spoke to reporters in Abuja, said from the perspective of the Northwest, there is no doubt that the Minority Leader deserves the position based on the sacrifices he has made for the zone.

    “Let’s go to the other contenders, such as Dogara. There has been a lot of noise about Dogara and why I am saying this is that first of all, you have to convince me that your state is behind you.

    “Bauchi State has 11 members and I don’t see any of the 11 members behind Dogara  campaigning with him.

    “So, for me the only person contesting is Femi. I am from the Northwest, we have almost 90 members from the zone. Kaduna has 16, Kano 24, Katsina 15, Jigawa 11 and Sokoto 12.

    “What we have is almost one-quarter of the total members of the House. And if you take a look at the Northwest statistics, about 75 to 80 members are with Gbajabiamila.”

    The lawmaker said Gbajabiamila’s 12-year experience in the Green Chamber is filled with testimonies.

    “For someone to lead you from darkness to light, we know he is the right candidate.

    “We don’t have to even  doubt. He led the opposition from minority to majority party and he stood firm despite the persecution.

    “This is someone we can never forget, he really worked for this party and now I think he is the only person who is supposed to be in the race and right now he is the only one in the race.”

    Chanchangi said the zone cannot forget the role played by Gbajabiamila in the election of Aminu Tambuwal as Speaker of the seventh House.

    The lawmaker debunked insinuations that Tambuwal is supporting another candidate.

    He said the law of reciprocity demands that Tambuwal supports Gbajabiamila.

    “Actually, I won’t say Tambuwal is behind any contestant other than Femi.

    “ If he is, he should come out and say so. Once he hasn’t said anything, then we believe it is already ‘dead on arrival’.”

  • Northeast Reps endorse Gbajabiamila/Monguno ticket for Speaker

    Northeast Reps endorse Gbajabiamila/Monguno ticket for Speaker

    THE struggle for the position of the nation’s number four citizen went a notch higher as the Northeast Caucus in the House of Representatives at the weekend threw its weight behind the Minority  Leader of the House  of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila (All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos) as the Speaker of the 8th House.

    They also endorsed Mohammed Tahir Monguno from Borno State as their choice of candidate for the position of Deputy Speaker of the House.

    Thirty-six of the 48 members from the Northeast Caucus after meeting in Abuja resolved to support Gbajabiamila as the Speaker with a proviso: if the party zones the speakership slot to the Southwest.

    However, they said they would support  Monguno for the Speakership position if it is zoned to the Northeast and that they will abide by the position of the party in whatever its choice is in the zoning of the speakership position.

    The decision followed a meeting at the weekend in which members from five Northeastern states were present.

    Briefing reporters after the meeting, Goni Bukar Lawan (Yobe), who spoke on behalf of the  Northeast Caucus, said their decision was based on the country’s political reality.

    He said in advanced democracies, when the minority takes over government, the Minority Leader becomes the Majority Leader of the party.

    “We cannot look for any leader, because even before we took over the government, he was our leader, and today we’re in the position. That’s why we decided to take our leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, to be our Speaker, and for Hon. Mungonu to be our Deputy Speaker by the grace of God.”

    Speaking on why he jettisoned his ambition to become Speaker in the 8th House, Goni said as a grassroots politician, he had to listen to his governor, who is the party leader in his state.

    “We have a project before Yobe State. Senator Ahmed Lawan is pursuing the position of Senate President of this country. In that respect, we cannot have one state produce two candidates; one looking for the post of Speaker of the House of Representatives and another Senate President.

    “For us, that’s not in order. That’s why after the consultations and discussions, we arrived at supporting Gbajabiamila, when the party zones the speakership to the Southwest.”

    He added that because of the ambition of both Senator Ahmed Lawan and Mongonu, “whatever position I am looking for, I should step it down. We are now one and all of us are working for the progress of the Northeast.”

    The contest for the Speakership has seen claims and counter- claims of endorsements as the 7th House winds down.

    Munguno and Yakubu Dogara, two serious contenders for the post of principal officers in the 8th House, are from the  Northeastern states of Borno and Bauchi respectively.

    Members-elect from the Northeastern Caucus, who signed the Gbajabiamila/ Monguno endorsement document from Adamawa: Sadiq Ibrahim, Yusuf Buba, Abdulraman Shaibu and Philip Gutuwa.

    From Bauchi: Muhammed Sani Abdu, Lawal Yahayah, Tata Omar, Isa Hassan Mohammed, Ibrahim Baba, Mohammed Gololo, Salisu Ningi, Musa Aliyu, Ahmed Yarima and Adamu Gupai.

    From Borno: Mohammed Nur Sheriff, Mahmud Lawan, Mohammed Sanda, Dr. Asabe Bashir, Mallam Bukar Gana, Abdulkadir Rahis, Ayuba Mohammed Bello, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Jibrin Satumari

    Those from Gombe are Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, Binta Bello, Ustaz Yinus, Umar Barambu and Ali Isa JC.

    Members-elect from Yobe: Goni Bukar Lawan, Khadija B.A. Ibrahim, Ismaila Gadaka, Yau Galadima, Sidi Yakubu and Sabo Garba

  • Gbajabiamila: why I want to be House Speaker

    Gbajabiamila: why I want to be House Speaker

    THE Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, said yesterday that a vibrant House capable of complementing an incoming accountable government is needed to move the nation forward.

    Gbajabiamila, while formally  declaring his intention to contest, said the legislative experience he garnered in eight years as leader of opposition has prepared him for the rigours of the office of the Speaker of the House.

    The lawmaker, one of the few highest ranking members, has been in the House for 12 years with eight of those years as the minority leader.

    Having worked with four Speakers, Gbajabiamila noted that with the support of other members of the House, he tried to build a vibrant and accountable legislature and legislative process, sometimes at the risk of his life.

    In a letter of intent he sent to members-elect yesterday, he implored them to see him as a steadying hand, a custodian of institutional history and a strong bridge-builder between the House and the Executive.

    He promised to deliver an accountable House, if elected by his colleagues.

    The letter reads: “As we usher in a new era in Nigerian politics (an era of accountable governance), it is my hope that with my vast experience in the House, you will consider me worthy to serve as your Speaker.

    “I have always put the interest of Nigeria in the forefront, leading the fight in the House against the 2007 third term agenda and filed several lawsuits challenging, for instance, the Executive on appropriation without the approval of the National Assembly and most recently, the unconstitutional deployment of the Nigerian military during elections.

    “My pedigree, as a lawyer in two jurisdictions and over 30 years in legal practice, as well as my extensive network will be put to good use in ensuring we can keep our place in the hearts of Nigerians as the people’s House.

    “My focus would be a conscious rebranding of the House as the symbol of our democracy.

    “As Speaker, I promise that I, with you as colleagues and partners, will maintain and strengthen the trust between the people and the House.

    “Just as I have always tried to reflect the wishes and aspirations of my constituents, I intend to work tirelessly to ensure a House where your wellbeing will be priority and where your capacity to meet the aspirations of all your constituents will be strengthened.

    “As my brothers and sisters, I cannot do this without your full support and hope that you will put aside all sentiments, examine my track record, my length of service in the House and rest on the understanding that your interest and our nation’s interest will be my focus.”

     

  • Gbajabiamila deserves the Speaker’s job

    SIR: That Femi Gbajabiamila carries himself like a true leader, is not new. That he acts and talks the part is also not new. That he is a nationalist is not new as well because his antecedent speaks volume but what is new is that he’s never been the leader of the ruling party in the House of Representatives.

    As the House’s ‘Minority Whip’ leader, Gbajabiamila was many things. He was the voice of the House as well as the enforcer. He pushed that democracy be practiced in Nigeria like in developed countries.

    For starters, lets refresh on the role of a ‘Whip’ and how Gbajabiamila played the part. “A whip is an official in a political party whose primary purpose is to ensure party discipline in a legislature. Whips are a party’s “enforcers,” who typically offer inducements and threaten party members to ensure that they vote according to the official party policy. A whip’s role is also to ensure that the elected representatives of their party are in attendance when important votes are taken.”

    In the House Gbajabiamila held sway because of his stance against mismanagement, poor leadership and political immaturity. He vehemently kicked against the defection from one party to another, hammering on the need for Nigerian politicians to have and hold onto a set of political beliefs, ideology and philosophy.

    Gbajabiamila pretty much summed himself up in his  book: “Fearless: the Emergence Of A Virile And Formidable Opposition Leader (Political Memoirs of Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila) preparing himself for the big stage, only that, this time he will go from opposition leader to the leader of the ruling party, a position he has prepared himself for and one that has waited for him.

    His panache and zest as Minority Whip leader was contagious and staggering. His colleagues always listened when he spoke. His oratorial prowess and his ability to convey his messages in the best possible fashion made him an item in every gathering.

    As Minority Whip leader, he pushed Nigeria and Nigerians. He pushed the ruling party, he pushed his colleagues in the opposition but above all he pushed himself even beyond his own comprehension.

    Why should he be the eighth Speaker of the House of Representative?  As head of the ad hoc committee investigating claims by the Asset Management Company of Nigeria, AMCON that N140.9 billion, which was owed by Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited and Forte Oil Plc, has been paid, Gbajabiamila did a thorough job ensuring that the House also passed Money Laundering and Terrorism Amendment Bills.

    That’s why Asiwaju BolaTinubu, a national leader of the All Progressives Congress described Gbajabiamila as “an inspiration to many of the members of the House of Representatives today  who are working tirelessly to see Nigeria chart a new course and  are very so committed to changes,  content of the character of the country, adding  a great value and commitment to national development and progress of this country”.

    Gbajabiamila is not one who shies away from his responsibilities and actions as a leader. To preserve the democracy of Nigeria, he was once forced to scale the gate of the House of Representatives. On his Facebook page, he wrote of his action: “What happened in the National Assembly yesterday will forever live in infamy. Never thought I would see the day when I would be forced to go over the assembly gates where I work to gain access into the chambers.”

     

    • Seun Bisuga,

    Lagos

     

     

  • Gbajabiamila: Eyeing number four seat

    Gbajabiamila: Eyeing number four seat

    Gbajabiamila is not one who shies away from his responsibilities and actions as a leader

    That Femi Gbajabiamila carries himself like a true leader, is not new. That he acts and talks the part is also not new. That he is a nationalist is not new as well because his antecedent speaks volume but what is new is that he’s never been the leader of the ruling party in the House of Representatives.

    As the House’s ‘Minority Whip’ leader, Gbajabiamila was many things. He was the voice of the House as well as the enforcer. He pushed that democracy be practiced in Nigeria like in developed countries.

    For starters, lets refresh on the role of a ‘Whip’ and how Gbajabiamila played the part. “A whip is an official in a political party whose primary purpose is to ensure party discipline in a legislature. Whips are a party’s “enforcers,” who typically offer inducements and threaten party members to ensure that they vote according to the official party policy. A whip’s role is also to ensure that the elected representatives of their party are in attendance when important votes are taken.”

    In the House, Gbajabiamila held sway because of his stance against mismanagement, poor leadership and political immaturity. He vehemently kicked against the defection from one party to another, hammering on the need for Nigerian politicians to have and hold onto a set of political beliefs, ideology and philosophy.

    Gbajabiamila pretty much summed himself up in his  book: “Fearless: the Emergence Of A Virile And Formidable Opposition Leader (Political Memoirs of Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila) preparing himself for the big stage, only that, this time he will go from opposition leader to the leader of the ruling party, a position he has prepared himself for and one that has waited for him.

    His panache and zest as Minority Whip leader was contagious and staggering. His colleagues always listened when he spoke. His oratorial prowess and his ability to convey his messages in the best possible fashion made him an item in every gathering.

    As Minority Whip leader, he pushed Nigeria and Nigerians. He pushed the ruling party, he pushed his colleagues in the opposition but above all he pushed himself even beyond his own comprehension.

    Why should he be the 8th Speaker of the House of Representative?  As head of the ad hoc committee investigating claims by the Asset Management Company of Nigeria, AMCON that 140.9 billion naira, which was owed by Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited and Forte Oil Plc, has been paid, Gbajabiamila did a thorough job ensuring that the House also passed Money Laundering and Terrorism Amendment Bills.

    That’s why Asiwaju BolaTinubu, a national leader of the All Progressives Congress described Gbajabiamila as “an inspiration to many of the members of the House of Representatives today  who are working tirelessly to see Nigeria chart a new course and  are very so committed to changes,  content of the character of the country, adding  a great value and commitment to national development and progress of this country”.

    Gbajabiamila is not one who shies away from his responsibilities and actions as a leader. To preserve the democracy of Nigeria, he was once forced to scale the gate of the House of Representatives. On his Facebook page, he wrote of his action: “What happened in the National Assembly yesterday will forever live in infamy. Never thought I would see the day when I would be forced to go over the assembly gates where I work to gain access into the chambers.”