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

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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

 

Politics

Gov. Gida-Gida and Ganduje: The Firing of Unwarranted Political Salvos-Adamu Aminu

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Former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Successor Abba Kabir Yusuf

 

By Adamu Aminu.

It is extremely disheartening to see how recently our two elder statesmen, the Kano state Governor, His Excellency, Abba Kabir Yusif, politically known as Abba Gida-Gida, and his immediate predecessor, the ex-Kano and present APC National chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, are busy exchanging salvos directly at each other.

The exchanges of verbal brawls through their spokesmen emanated shortly after Governor Abba Kabir Yusif inaugurated two judicial commissions of inquiry to investigate cases of misappropriation of public property, political violence, and missing persons from 2015 to 2019 to 2023.

It was unfortunate; all the accusations and counter-accusations from both sides were riddled with harsh and demeaning words, deemed unrepeatable and unworthy to come from our respected leaders who are beating chests of leading Kano, the state that has reached the zenith of political maturity in the whole nation.

I was automatically dumbfounded by how the exchanged salvos and political sarcasm were randomly so directed at each other, without revisiting the fact that history never lies; someday, posterity will judge them.

This comes at a time when the warring parties should set aside their differences and make Kano their concern and priority, but they resorted to opening the doors of all blackmailing arsenals at their disposal, overtly directed at each other, without knowing that their utterances and accusations are doing more harm than good to Kano state in general.

This came at a time when our counterpart States in the South, like Lagos, Rivers, and others, have already set politics aside and deeply engaged in the execution of developmental projects for their people, but Kano, a state of whole-tenure politics, is dragging feet towards the fulfillment of promises during electioneering campaigns.

At this time when most Kano industries are not functional, there is no portable water, unemployment, poverty, hunger, and thuggery clogging the wheels of Kano’s economic development, instead, they resorted to engaged in trading bitter words and pointing accusing fingers at themselves.

I think it’s time for our Excellency, the state governor Abba Kabir Yusif, and his predecessor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to wake up from their slumbers and stop demeaning themselves politically.

Trading accusations of one’s incompetence, docility, and another’s accusation of land grabbing and rat-like behavior is not the utmost priority for Kano populace.

It’s time to stop deceiving ourselves with the longstanding Kano praise “Kano Tumbin Giwa, Ko dame Kazo An Fika,” which means Kano, the melting pot, whatever you came along with, you’re far left behind. Kano state in this modern era deserves to be far from where it is now.

I do hope and pray that Governor Abba and his predecessor Ganduje make Kano and Kanawas their utmost priority. They are our role models, exchanging incendiary remarks with each other will show that politics isn’t only a dirty game, it’s a dirty war of raining curses and abuses.

They should know that someday around this time, they will be no more; only their legacies will make them immortal in the memory of Kano populace.

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Politics

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Is The Head of All Political Parties in Kano-Dala

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In a surprising turn of events following Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s recent victory at the Supreme Court, Anas Abba Dala, a former APC chieftain and a devoted supporter of the Governor, has declared that Governor Yusuf is now the de facto head of all political parties in Kano. This assertion includes the APC, the NNPP, and the PDP.

Speaking exclusively to Kano based radio station Freedom Radio, Anas Abba Dala expressed his conviction that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Supreme Court triumph has positioned him as a unifying figure transcending party lines. Dala, who was once a prominent member of the APC, emphasized the significance of the Governor’s victory in unifying Kano’s political landscape.

In the interview, Dala highlighted the historical context of Governor Yusuf’s political journey, acknowledging the Governor’s ability to garner support across party lines. He commended the Supreme Court’s decision, declaring it a victory for not only the PDP but for all political parties in Kano.

Anas Abba Dala’s statement reflects a shifting political narrative, as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s leadership is perceived as a unifying force that transcends partisan affiliations. The Supreme Court’s validation of the Governor’s victory serves as a catalyst for a renewed sense of political collaboration and cooperation in Kano.

While this declaration is likely to stir conversations within the political sphere, it underlines the potential for a more inclusive and cooperative political landscape in Kano under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s leadership. As the news of this assertion spreads, it will be interesting to observe how political dynamics in Kano evolve in response to this declaration of unity across party lines.

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Politics

Non-indigenes in Kano Unite in Prayer for Dr Nasir Gawuna’s Success at Supreme Court

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Honourable Seyi Olorunsola, a prominent APC stalwart and Opinion Leader in Kano, has mobilized the non-indigenous Christian community to fervently pray for the success of Dr Nasir Gawuna, the APC candidate, in an impending Supreme Court hearing. This legal battle arises from the NNPC’s appeal, led by Governor Abna Yusuf, challenging the results of the March 18, 2023, Gubernatorial elections in Kano State.

At a prayer conference organized by Honourable Seyi, the non-indigenous Christian community gathered to intercede for Dr Nasir Gawuna, seeking divine intervention in the pursuit of reclaiming his mandate. Honourable Seyi urged attendees to persevere in prayer until victory is secured and cautioned against potential interference, notably mentioning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing the need to remain unaffected by NNPP propaganda aiming to undermine the APC administration.

Expressing gratitude to the judiciary for upholding the rule of law, Honourable Seyi emphasized the crucial role of the judiciary in ensuring justice. He encouraged them to remain vigilant until justice is unequivocally served, highlighting the commitment to a fair and impartial legal process, free from external influences.

Addressing NNPP concerns about the legitimacy of the APC victory, Honourable Seyi reassured the public of the APC’s commitment to the democratic process. The call for prayers from the non-indigenous Christian community not only testifies to their faith but also demonstrates solidarity with Dr Nasir Gawuna.

The prayer conference also included appeals for peace and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria at large, emphasizing a broader vision for a united and flourishing nation. The collective hopes extend beyond the immediate political context, envisioning a Kano and Nigeria where peace prevails, prosperity thrives, and democratic principles are upheld.

Honourable Seyi Olorunsola’s call for a prayer conference reflects not just the intensity of the political situation in Kano but also underscores the significance of faith and unity during times of uncertainty.

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