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The Case for Gbajabiamila as the Next Chief of Staff to the Incoming President of Nigeria

Published

2 years ago

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President -Elect Bola Ahmad Tinubu Right with Speaker House of representatives Femi Gbajabiamila

 

By Rabiu Shamma.

I watched a BBC Hausa video last weekend featuring Murtala Adogi Mohammed PhD, a development expert, who shared his thoughts on three important appointments that signal a government’s preparedness to achieve positive outcomes. According to him, the calibre of people appointed as the Chief of Staff, Spokesman and the Secretary of the Government respectively will give the impression of how serious a new government is. This is what made me to begin to think who would be the best fit for the Chief of Staff position in particular among the President Elect’s closest allies. Honorable Femi Hakeem Gbajabiamila, the current speaker of the Federal House of Representatives in Nigeria, immediately came to mind. Eventhough Femi has denied lobbying for the position, I cannot think of a better candidate among the people rumoured to be penciled for the job.

The role of Chief of Staff is a crucial one in any government, in Nigeria it was even more pronounced when the Powerful Abba Kyari of blessed momory held sway. The position involves managing the President’s affairs and ensuring that the government runs smoothly. With the upcoming inauguration of Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President of Nigeria, looking at his advanced age, the need for a competent and experienced Chief of Staff cannot be overstated.

Hon Femi Gbajabiamila has an impressive CV that speaks to his qualifications for the role. He attended Mainland Preparatory School for elementary education and Igbobi College in 1973, where he completed his secondary education. Subsequently, he enrolled at King William’s College on the Isle of Man, United Kingdom for his A-Level. He then went on to attend the University of Lagos, Nigeria, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) with honors in 1983 and was called to the Nigerian bar in 1984. He has also earned a Juris Doctor from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in Georgia, USA, and passed the Georgian bar exam in 2001. He worked for the law firm, Bentley Edu & Co in Lagos before establishing his own law firm, Femi Gbaja & Co. He is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, American Bar Association, and the International Bar Association.

Hon Femi Gbajabiamila has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2003 and has been the Speaker of the House since 2019. He has built a reputation as a principled and loyal lawmaker, as well as a mentor to young people. His Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) is a testament to his commitment to building the capacity of the younger generation. Through the LMI, he mentors young people and builds their capacity, which is critical to the development of the country.

Despite being 60 years old, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila looks agile and seems closer to young people. He is a man of principle, religious, cosmopolitan, and creative. He is at home at various parts of Nigeria, his stint at the House of Representatives meant he has allies from all parts of the country, making him a bridge-builder and a man who can work effectively with different groups.

I follow Hon Femi Gbajabiamila’s Facebook page and am constantly impressed by his initiatives and the way he represents his people. He seems not to be a man of mediocrity, but one who is committed to excellence in all he does. His dedication to public service and his efforts to empower the younger generation make him a valuable asset to any administration.

Hon Femi Gbajabiamila has been very loyal to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, which is evident in his unwavering support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its leadership. He has also been able to maintain a good relationship with other political leaders in Nigeria, making him a man of integrity, hard-work and someone who can work with different political interests without losing sight of the goal of good governance.

In conclusion, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila’s qualifications, experience, loyalty, reputation, and commitment to excellence make him a strong candidate for the position of Chief of Staff to the Incoming President of Nigeria, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His expertise in lawmaking, mentorship, and building bridges across different groups would be invaluable in helping the incoming administration achieve its goals of ensuring good governance.

Rabiu Shamma is the Founder, Centre for Awareness on Good Governance and Development (CAGGAD).
shammajnr@gmail.com

 

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200,000 APC Members in Kano Dismiss Allegations Against Ministerial Nominee Yusuf Abdullah Atta as Baseless

Published

3 weeks ago

on

October 27, 2024

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Over 200,000 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State have dismissed allegations of incompetence against the ministerial nominee, retired Hon. Yusuf Abdullah Atta, as baseless. Some APC members in Kano believe the allegations stem from personal grudges held by a few individuals who are not legitimate members of the party.

In a statement, Mustapha Gidan Magani, the secretary of APC Kwaciri Ward, on behalf of the entire executive committee of APC Fagge Local Government Area, rejected the allegations of anti-party activities during the 2023 general election. The executives argued that those intending to submit a petition to the Senate, claiming to represent 50,000 APC members, have no legal standing to make such claims.

The APC executives from Fagge Local Government Area are prepared to counter the petition, asserting that it will have little impact on the confirmation of Atta as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development. They expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for nominating Atta, highlighting his administrative skills and dedication to serving humanity.

 

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PDP Youth Activist Calls for Suspension of Shekarau, Bello Hayatu from the party

Published

1 month ago

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October 14, 2024

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Salisu Usman Karaskabuli, a youth activist of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano, has called for the immediate suspension of several high-ranking party members, including former governor Ibrahim Shekarau, Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, and Yahaya Bagobiri.

He accused them of sabotaging the party’s efforts in the state and hindering PDP’s progress in the region.

Addressing journalists in Kano, Salisu Karaskabuli alleged that Shekarau has engaged in anti-party activities during the 2023 governorship election.
“Despite being a PDP leader, the majority of his supporters backed the APC candidate,” Salisu Karaskabuli said.
He further claimed that Shekarau is already mobilizing his supporters to work for Senator Barau’s governorship ambitions in 2027, signaling ongoing disloyalty.

Salisu Karaskabuli also blamed the PDP National Vice Chairman for the Northwest Bello Hayatu Gwarzo for failing to unite the party across the region.
He noted that prominent PDP members, such as former governors Ibrahim Shema of Katsina and Ramalan Yero of Kaduna, had defected to other parties due to Gwarzo’s ineffective leadership.
Concerning the recent PDP congress in Kano, Usman expressed frustration, rejecting the outcomes of the ward, local government, and state congresses.
He accused the leadership of the party for partisan zoning and disqualifying candidates without valid reasons.

Further accusations were leveled at Yahaya Bagobiri, the chairman of PDP elders in Kano.
Salisu Usman claimed that Bagobiri had leaked sensitive party information to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Usman Karaskabuli called on the national leadership of the PDP to investigate the accused members and, if found guilty, take appropriate disciplinary action.

The accusations come at a time when the PDP in Kano and the wider Northwest is grappling with internal divisions, which some fear could weaken the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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APC Youth Activist Urges President Tinubu to Appoint Murtala Sule Garo as Minister

Published

1 month ago

on

October 13, 2024

By

Sadiq Ali Sango

 

Sadiq Ali Sango, a prominent youth activist of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider appointing Murtala Sule Garo as a minister in the forthcoming cabinet reshuffle.
Sango made this known in a statement released to journalists in Kano.

The Federal Government recently announced that President Tinubu would soon reshuffle his cabinet, sparking widespread speculation over potential new appointees.
Sango expressed optimism that Garo, a grassroots politician with a proven track record, would be a fitting choice for a ministerial position.

“Murtala Sule Garo is not only a politician but a true son of the soil, with immense contributions to the APC in Kano,” Sango stated.
“His service as the APC’s deputy gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 election and his unwavering commitment to the party despite not having the reins of government in Kano makes him the ideal candidate for Tinubu’s cabinet.”

Sango further highlighted Garo’s role in holding the party together during difficult times, describing him as the “supporting pillar” of the APC in Kano.
“He has carried the party on his shoulders, providing support to party leaders and members alike,” he added.

With the APC no longer in control of Kano State’s government, Garo’s influence at the grassroots level has been pivotal for the party’s continued strength in the region.
According to Sango, Garo’s appointment would reinforce the party’s position in Kano and contribute to the success of President Tinubu’s administration.

The call for Murtala Sule Garo’s inclusion in the Federal Executive Council comes amid growing anticipation regarding the composition of the new cabinet and the need for strong political figures to represent Kano at the national level.

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