Tag: Femi Gbajabiamila

How direct primaries can foster youth participation in governance, democracy – Gbajabiamila

…calls for peaceful, secured nation
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that deliberate efforts must be made to prepare the children and youth of Nigeria to become the leaders of tomorrow we desire them to be.
He said such efforts must include involving them in governance and expanding the democratic space to accommodate many young people.
Gbajabiamila, who was speaking at the National Children’s Dialogue to mark the 2021 Universal Children’s Day in Abuja on Saturday, explained that this was the reason he championed an amendment to the Electoral Bill, 2021 for the use of Direct Primaries by political parties as a method of choosing candidates for elective offices.
The dialogue had the theme, “The Nigerian Child and the National Unity Project.”
Gbajabiamila stated that with direct primaries, a youth with leadership qualities had equal chances of becoming a candidate for an elective office just like any other person.
The speaker noted that this was one of the surest ways of securing the future of Nigeria, by giving people with multiple ideas the opportunity to be at the very top of governance.
He said, “That debate on direct primaries, which I championed, is about the future of our country. Our position in the 9th House of Representatives is that everyone must have equal opportunities to participate in governance and the democratic process…
“Our young people must have a seat at the high table and we must create the enabling environment for them to be in leadership such that a young man with bold ideas can come out to vie for any position, be it legislator, governor or any other office. That can only be achieved through direct primaries, which will give a fair chance to the youth of this country to be involved in governance.”
Gbajabiamila called for huge investment in youth education, particularly technology, which the speaker said had transformed the world from what it used to be into a global village, delivering services and innovations at an unprecedented speed.
He added, “Technology has changed our world. We no longer exist in communal or national silos but as part of a broad fabric of humanity in a global village where opportunities and challenges abound. In this new world where a child with a computer and internet connection in Lagos can compete for jobs in Texas or Bombay, our job as leaders is to ensure that every Nigerian child is educated and empowered to compete in and succeed in this global marketplace of ideas and talent.”
However, Gbajabiamila told the session that to deliver on this obligation, all hands should be on the deck to make Nigeria a peaceful place to live.
According to him, securing the future means tackling the myriads of security challenges bedevilling the country squarely to bequeath a safe nation to our children.
“Peace is a necessary condition for development and progress. The present insecurity and the rampaging uncertainty it creates across the land represent the single biggest threat to the wellbeing of our nation’s children and the security of their future.
“We must wage the battle for peace with a warrior’s resolve because everything depends on our victory over the forces that threaten our country and risk the future of our country”, he stated.
To this end, the speaker informed the audience of the resolve of the House to continue to make legislative interventions that would help the executive to overcome the security challenges.
Gbajabiamila added, “The 9th House of Representatives has situated national security interventions at the top of our priorities in recognition of this. We have in the past year initiated legislative action to reform our national security infrastructure, improve funding for national security intervention and ensure effective oversight of resources allocated to protecting our country and defending our people from dangers within and external.
“We will continue in this regard because, as I said before, success in every other area depends on our success in this regard. ”
The Speaker commended the Board and Management of the Children Of Africa Leadership And Values Development Initiative (CALDEV), led by Rep. Bamidele Salam, for initiating the dialogue series.
Speaking earlier, Salam explained the purpose of the project was to build “exemplary” children with all the qualities that would lead Nigeria to become a truly great country.
Children and participants from various schools and bodies featured in the dialogue and a series of other events lined up for the day.
November 20, 2021
Gbajabiamila greets Mai Mala Buni at 54
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has congratulated Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni on his 54th birthday.
Gbajabiamila described Buni, who is also the Chairman of the APC’s Extraordinary National Convention Committee, as a politician par excellence who has made his marks over the years.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker said Buni remains one of the loyal and committed members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said Buni’s contributions to the growth and development of the APC are legion, noting that at 54, the former APC National Secretary has achieved a lot in attracting more membership into the party.
Gbajabiamila wished Buni continuous good health and increased favour from the Almighty God.
November 19, 2021
Strike: Gbajabiamila brokers truce between FG, ASUU
…as parties agree on four critical issues
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, on Thursday, brokered a truce between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as the parties agreed on four major issues.
The foremost academic body said at a meeting the Speaker convened at the National Assembly, Abuja, that it welcomed the Speaker’s intervention.
Following the threat of a strike by ASUU over the failure of the Federal Government to implement parts of the agreement entered into by the two parties, Gbajabiamila called for a meeting between the Ministers of Finance and Education and the leadership of ASUU.
At the meeting attended by all parties, it was agreed that four issues would be resolved as soon as possible.
The government representatives at the meeting agreed to make available, within one week, the sum of N30bn Universities Revitalization Fund for onward payment to ASUU members.
It was also agreed that the Federal Government would sort out the N22bn Earned Academic Allowances component from the education sector budget.
In addition, the Federal Government said that it was not averse to the deployment of the proposed alternative payment platform University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) developed by ASUU as opposed to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).
The Minister of Finance, Zainab AHMED, however, informed the Speaker that the government is waiting for the report of the Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) before the next step would be taken.
The tripartite meeting also agreed that the renegotiation of the 2009 N1.3 trillion agreement between the ASUU and the Federal Government would commence in a week’s time.
Speaking at the meeting, Gbajabiamila said: “It will be irresponsible of us, as leaders to sit and watch things deteriorate.
“We have to be mindful of the unintended consequences of strike actions that can be far-reaching, knowing how important education is to the children and the future of our country.
“Whatever the issues, strikes can not continue to be a perennial exercise, strikes can not be the tool we use at all time but only when things finally break down.
“On the other hand, the government should also not go into agreements it can not honour.
“While everybody has an equal share of the blame, how to resolve the issue this the most thing important and that is why we are here”.
Earlier, ASUU President, Prof. Victor Emmanuel Osodeke, said some of the issues in contention have been resolved but for the listed.
He said the union had to call for strike action due to the tradition of reneging on agreements by the Federal government, the last of which was last month, October.
On the other hand, the Ministers of Finance, Zainab Ahmed and Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba said the government was on the verge of releasing funds for the Revitalization of Universities as well as the EAA.
Having convinced the university trade union to have faith in the promises made by the two Ministers, Gbajabiamila added, “It will be the best for ASUU to please step down the impending strike since there’s no issue that has been left unresolved.
The Speaker hoped that resorting to strike actions over issues will be a thing of the past while appealing that statements that will exacerbate matters would be avoided by all parties”.
November 18, 2021
Gbajabiamila seeks renewed Nigeria-Japan bilateral ties
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has called for the deepening of the existing bilateral relations between Nigeria and Japan.
Gbajabiamila, while receiving the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, during a courtesy visit to his office on Wednesday, noted that the House of Representatives was also desirous of sustaining the existing robust parliamentary engagements with the Japanese Parliament.
While noting that both countries had greatly benefitted from their 61 years of friendship in several areas of the economy, including technology, education, Gbajabiamila added, “With our 61st years of relationships, to me, it’s a rebirth of a new phase. Japan and Nigeria have longstanding ties, 61 years and counting as we lean on each other in many areas of the economy, technology and many others.”
Gbajabiamila recalled his official visit to Japan two years ago, which he said was one with several landmark accomplishments, notwithstanding the inability to follow up on some issues due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It was a visit we will not forget in a hurry because it was of mutual benefits to both parties”, the Speaker added, while noting that the relaxation of travel restrictions would allow the deployment of Parliamentary Diplomacy by the House through the Nigeria-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group to consolidate on the gains of his first visit to Japan.
“We are now looking forward to that new phase, the Parliamentary Friendship group will be working closely with you.
“Japan is a major player and we are a growing democracy and we will be working with you in so many areas and through our Parliamentary Diplomacy, we intend to take it to another level in a way it will benefit Nigeria and whoever we are in a parliamentary diplomatic relationship with”, he added.
Earlier, Ambassador Kazuyoshi assured the Speaker that Japan was determined to deepen the 61 years of bilateral relations with Nigeria.
He noted that despite the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, Japan was able to deploy Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to boost its economic and commercial activities in Nigeria.
He cited the instance of the $3m Japan invested in startups online in Nigeria in the period of the pandemic.
November 18, 2021
Gbajabiamila appoints ex-Rep, Adedapo Lam-Adesina, as Special Assistant – Political Matters (South West)
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has approved the appointment of a former lawmaker, Hon. Adedapo Lam-Adesina, as his Special Assistant, political matters (southwest).
Hon. Lam-Adesina replaces Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, a former lawmaker, who served the Speaker in the same capacity until his recent appointment as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC).
Hon. Adedapo Lam-Adesina served as a member of the 8th House of Representatives representing Ibadan North East/South East Federal Constituency of Oyo State and former Commissioner for Youths and Sport in Oyo state. He has been a close ally of the Speaker since the 2015 speakership contest in the House.
November 17, 2021
Gbajabiamila leadership training for youths kicks off in Jos
The leadership training organized for some youths by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has commenced in Jos, the Plateau State capital on Tuesday.
A similar training for some youths from Surulere 1 and 2 Federal Constituencies of Lagos State had taken off in Lagos on Sunday.
The training, the Speaker’s Leadership BootCamp, is taking place at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Jos, and it is expected to last for two weeks.
During the training period, participants, made up of both male and female constituents, are expected to be taken through mentorship and leadership sessions on legislation and art of governance; time management as an effective tool in achieving success among Nigerian youths; leadership skills for effective service delivery among Nigerian youths.
Other areas include leadership and responsibility among Nigerian youths; communication as an effective tool of national development; the importance of entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths; conflicts prevention and resolution strategies among Nigerian youths, and the role of youths in promoting democratic values.
The youths would equally undergo training on human rights as a requisite knowledge for Nigerian youths; the use of leisure and stress management among Nigerian youths; fire fighting prevention and control, among others.
The training is part of the Speaker’s avowed support for the Nigerian youths to build their capacity and prepare them against the challenges ahead.
November 16, 2021
Gbajabiamila to Meet Finance, Education Ministers, ASUU Reps on Thursday over Looming Strike
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has resolved to meet with the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed; Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu; as well as the representatives of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in his office on Thursday in order to stop the impending industrial action.
The House has also mandated its Committees on Education, Tertiary and Basic to investigate if the money the federal government intends to pay ASUU in lieu of the agreement reached with the body is housed in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or not and unravel why the money hasn’t been paid.
The decision of the House to intervene and stop the impending industrial action by ASUU was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved at the plenary on Tuesday by Prof. Julius Ihonvbere.
Moving the motion, the lawmaker said ASUU was threatening to proceed on another industrial action on a matter that has been on the front burner for so long.
Ihonvbere said the federal government has not been forthcoming, nor has it attached any consistent seriousness to the urgent need to reposition and refocus the education sector in line with our developmental objectives.
The lawmaker stressed that ASUU has threatened to call out its members across the nation, if all the issues, including those of unpaid academically earned allowances and the universities revitalisation fund are not addressed within a period of three weeks.
Ihonvbere noted that the future of Nigerian students, once again, would be negatively impacted if the impending strike by ASUU is not nipped in the bud by the federal government.
According to him, embarrassed that the federal government has, since the last strike was called off in December 2020, continued to pass the buck, make excuses and engage in diversions and distractions rather than meet the terms of agreement it signed with the union.
The lawmaker argued that ASUU was not asking for anything new, but they are only asking the federal government to implement the agreement signed in December 2020.
He said: “If you look at the track record of conversations, the Minister of Education is saying we don’t handle money, it is Minister of Finance, but ASUU is under the Ministry of Education and it has a responsibility to make this cause to ensure the money is there to pay for the revitalization of universities.”
Ihonvbere therefore called on the federal government to live up to expectation and implement an agreement it signed without duress.
He pointed out that if the federal government disrupts the activities of the universities again by not honouring the agreement, the implications would be far-reaching, adding that the country can’t continue like this.
Contributing, the Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha said if ASUU is allowed to go on strike, it would affect so many souls.
She said it was wrong for the federal government to sign the agreement and later renege.
In his contribution, Hon. Nicholas Ossai said the time has come for the parliament to put some certain sectors in the first line charge.
On his part, the Chief Whip, Hon. Tahir Monguno, said the House should take the bull by the horn by taking advantage of the ongoing budget defence to vote more money for the sector.
The lawmaker noted that It was the responsibility of the House to make sure that the education sector is well-founded.
But the Speaker said the issue was not about funding, as funding was already there, stressing that both the ministers of finance and education are passing the buck of where the money is.
Gbajabiamila said: “The Committees on Education, Tertiary and Basic should investigate and report back to the House. I will meet with the minister of finance, the minister of education, and representatives of ASUU in my office on Thursday.”
November 16, 2021
Gbajabiamila mourns Sani Dangote
…says ‘it’s a painful loss’
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has expressed sadness over the death of the Vice President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Sani Dangote.
Gbajabiamila, in a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, said Sani Dangote’s demise is a painful loss, given his role in the Dangote Group.
The Speaker said Sani Dangote would be sorely missed by many Nigerians, noting that his contributions to the development of the Dangote Group and by extension, the private sector in Nigeria would remain indelible.
He described the late Sani Dangote as a perfect gentleman who gave his best to the growth and development of the Dangote Group.
Gbajabiamila sent his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kano State, the Dangote family, especially the president of the Dangote Group, Alh. Aliko Dangote and the entire management and staff of Dangote Group.
He prayed to the Almighty Allah to grant the soul of late Alhaji Sani Dangote a peaceful resting place in Jannatul Firdaus.
November 15, 2021
Gbajabiamila mourns Vanguard reporter, Tordue Salem
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has expressed sadness over the death of a reporter of the Vanguard newspapers covering the House, Mr Tordue Salem.
The Speaker said it was more painful that Salem, whom he described as a vibrant and committed journalist, went missing for almost a month before his corpse was discovered at a morgue in Abuja.
Gbajabiamila recalled how Salem distinguished himself as one of the finest journalists that provided covered the activities of the House for many years.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, Speaker Gbajabiamila sent his condolences to the late Salem’s family, Vanguard newspapers, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the House of Representatives Press Corps.
While praying for the repose of the soul of the late journalist, Gbajabiamila prayed God to grant his family and colleagues the fortitude to bear the loss, adding that Salem would be sorely missed.
November 14, 2021
Why I pushed for direct primaries – Gbajabiamila
…as Youth Minister, Nigerian Youths say Direct Primary will Open doors for Nigerian Youths in Governance
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has explained why he pushed for direct primaries as the only method through which political parties should elect candidates to stand for elections.
The Speaker said direct primaries would bring more accountability and adequate representation as political office holders would not be restricted to pleasing a group of few people selected as delegates, but would work for the interest of the generality of their party members, and by extension the electorate.
Besides, Gbajabiamila said he observed that many Nigerians, especially the youths, want to participate fully in the election of those that would represent them, right from the grassroots level, hence his resolve to champion direct primaries.
The Speaker, while hosting a delegation of the Nigerian youths on a thank-you visit for his role on direct primaries led by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, said he preferred a situation where the political space is opened for all, including the youths, to participate fully.
This is even as Nigerian youths thanked the Speaker for single-handedly moving for the amendment in the Electoral Act to have direct primaries as the only method of electing parties’ candidates.
Gbajabiamila said some members of the political class may not be comfortable with the arrangement, but that the majority of the masses are in support of direct primaries, which he said would give them the opportunity of deciding who would represent them.
Advancing some of the reasons, Gbajabiamila said: “If I know that my return will depend on some few men, I may care about you. But if I know that my return will depend on my accountability and representation to the people, I will do the right thing.
“It is important for this generation to open the door of leadership to the next generation. We must allow every Nigerian to participate fully in the process of leadership. I, therefore, stand with Direct Primary.”
“That’s why I said at different fora that I’m for direct primaries. We have to do this for the sake of the institution.
“When you gather yourselves (as youths), chances are that you’ll win. Democracy is a government of the people. Democracy is not just a general election. It starts from the primaries.”
The Speaker, therefore, challenged the Nigerian youths to “take advantage of the new amendment,” saying “power is not served a la carte.
“I’ll ask that you carry that advocacy out there because it’s for you.”
He noted that the youths are part of the reasons why lawmakers exist, saying, “The youths are the greatest asset of any nation, not just in Nigeria.”
He said the Nigerian youths are thriving in different spheres of life, but that when it comes to politics, they do not show much interest.
“Since the Not Too Young to Run became law, you’ve not taken advantage of that. The Act appears to be a paper tiger. The enabling environment to work for that Act isn’t capitalized on.”
The Speaker also said the fact that the President Muhammadu Buhari led government provides adequate funding for the youths showed that it recognized that the youths are the future of the country.
He thanked the minister for leading the youths delegation to thank him for the role he played in ensuring the inclusion of direct primaries as the only method of electing political parties’ candidates for elections.
Earlier, the Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Dare, said the visit was to thank the Speaker for moving the amendment for direct primaries, which he said would accommodate the Nigerian youth in the political space.
Dare, who led a delegation of about 20 youths, said: “I want to thank the Hon. Members and the House for the support they’ve been giving us for the past two years of our stewardship. I want to also thank you for your support for the youth of our country.
“Between 65% and 70% of our population are less than 25 years. So, we can’t ignore the youth. I want to plead on behalf of the Nigerian youth that you continue to support youth development. You should also expand the frontiers of youths inclusivity.
“When the president signed the Not Too Young to Run Bill, it paved the way for many youths.
“Another door was opened two nights ago. The kudos goes to you and the National Assembly. We support you for direct primaries. It will open the door for Nigerian youths. They will stand in a position to have more say in the political space.
“As a journalist, and it has been recorded, I know that you moved the amendment of the Electoral Act that has led us to where we are (on direct primaries). I want to urge you to continue to work for the people and champion for the people. I urge you not to relent.
“We believe that the House of Representatives is a true representation of the Nigerian youth,” Dare said, adding that the delegation comprised representatives from the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), the Nigerian Youth Parliament (NYP), among others.
“We’ve enjoyed tremendous support from Mr. President in our ministry. I want to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for leading this country to the right path. The Nigerian youths are committed to democracy.”
Also, one of the youths’ representatives, Miss Patience N. Eze, who is the spokesperson of NYCN, thanked the Speaker for working for the Nigerian youths in different ways, including on the issue of the direct primaries.
She said: “I want to thank the Speaker for what you’re doing for the youths. We appreciate you for pushing for direct primaries, which we believe will give an opportunity to the youths.
“I assure you that we’ll take the opportunity with the support of people like you. We also appeal that monies should be channelled towards youths development.”
November 11, 2021