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Tag: Femi Gbajabiamila

New Naira Notes: Reps Threaten To Arrest CBN Gov, Bank Chiefs
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has threatened to issue a warrant of arrest on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and bank directors over their collective failure to honour an invite to appear before the green chamber over scarcity of three newly designed naira notes.
The House had summoned the CBN and bank directors over the January 31, 2023 deadline for the validity of old N200, N500 and N1,000 notes but the apex bank and managing directors of commercial banks refused to heed the invitation by the green chamber.
Gbajabiamila, in a statement on Thursday, said the CBN and the bank chiefs, by shunning the invitation of the House, insulted the authority and prerogatives of the people’s parliament. “This is unacceptable,” he said.
The House had about two months ago asked the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele to appear before the House over the naira redesign but the invitation wasn’t honoured by the CBN governor.
The House subsequently invited bank chiefs to give reasons for the ongoing failure to adequately disburse the redesigned naira notes before the expiration of the January 31, 2023.
The House further constituted an ad-hoc committee led by the Majority Leader of the House, Alhassan Ado Doguwa over the matter.
The Speaker said, “The Resolution of the House was predicated on information showing that the rollout of the redesigned naira notes has been an unmitigated failure. This failure has real and dire consequences on the ability of Nigerians to conduct business across the country.
“The refusal by the CBN to heed the invitation by the House of Representatives is evidence of a blatant disregard for the well-being of the Nigerian people who are their customers. It is also an insult to the authority and prerogatives of the people’s parliament.
“Therefore, I will, pursuant to the authority conferred by Section 89 (1)(d) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Order 19 (2)(1) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives, not hesitate to issue a warrant to the Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force to compel the attendance of the CBN or Managing Directors who fail, refuse or neglect to respond to the summons by the House of Representatives.”
January 26, 2023
Gbajabiamila congratulates Prof. Ogunsola on investiture as 13th UNILAG VC
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has congratulated Prof. Folasade Ogunsola on her investiture as the 13th Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos.
Prof. Ogunsola, who was appointed UNILAG VC in October of last year, became the first female to occupy that position since the inception of the university. She had her investiture as the 13th VC of UNILAG on Tuesday.
Gbajabiamila, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, said he believed in the capacity of Prof. Ogunsola to bring more development to the famous university.
The Speaker, who is an alumnus of UNILAG, wished Prof. Ogunsola success in her five-year tenure as the VC.
He said he would continue to support UNILAG and other tertiary institutions in the country so as to secure the necessary educational infrastructure required to produce quality graduates for the benefit of the country.
January 19, 2023
Gbajabiamila mourns AMAA CEO Anyiam-Osigwe
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has described as shocking, the death of the founder and CEO of the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA), Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.
The Speaker said the Nigerian and indeed the African movie industries have lost one of its finest and committed members.
Gbajabiamila recalled that the late Anyiam-Osigwe touched many lives positively during her lifetime, using her network of friends and associates across the continent.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker said the late AMAA founder would be remembered for her humanitarian services and positive impact on the industry.
Gbajabiamila prayed to the Almighty God to grant her eternal rest and give her family and many associates the fortitude to bear the loss.
January 11, 2023
Gbajabiamila commiserates NUJ, Guardian over death of photo editor
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has expressed shock over the passing of the Photo Editor of The Guardian newspaper, Mr Femi Kuti.
Gbajabiamila, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, described Mr Kuti as a veteran photojournalist who paid his dues to the journalism profession and indeed the country as a whole.
The Speaker said during his lifetime, Mr Kuti proved himself to be a dedicated and committed photojournalist whose work of storytelling using photography contributed immensely to shaping society.
Gbajabiamila commiserated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and The Guardian newspaper over the loss.
The Speaker also sent his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Femi Kuti and prayed to God to grant him eternal rest.
January 7, 2023
Gbajabiamila sad over Prof. Olukotun’s death
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has described the death of a renowned political scientist, Prof. Ayo Olukotun, as a sad development.
Gbajabiamila said Prof. Olukotun was one Nigerian who gave his best intellectually for the development of the country.
The Speaker recalled how Prof. Olukotun used his God-given talent to make meaningful contributions to nation-building through newspaper columns and other public platforms.
He said Prof. Olukotun’s death has left a vacuum too difficult to fill, noting that the late political scientist would be sorely missed, especially for his contributions to the academia.
Gbajabiamila prayed to God to grant Prof. Ayo Olukotun eternal rest and give his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
The Speaker sent heartfelt condolences to the media community and the academia over the loss.
During his lifetime, Prof. Olukotun lectured at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the University of Lagos and the Lagos State University. He was a visiting professor of International Relations at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and the Oba Sikiru adetona Professorial Chair in Governance, Department of Political Science, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.
He was also the head of the Department of Political Science and Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences at the Lead City University, Ibadan.
At various times, he chaired the Editorial Board of the Daily Times and wrote weekly columns for the newspaper as well as The Guardian, The Punch and Compass newspapers.
January 5, 2023
Gbajabiamila greets Nigerians at New Year
…says 2023 is a defining year
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has congratulated Nigerians for witnessing the New Year 2023.
The Speaker said the year 2023 will be significant for Nigerians, being the year that citizens will elect new leaders to pilot the affairs of the country.
Gbajabiamila said he is optimistic about the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead and urged Nigerians to remain resolute and determined as a people.
He noted that 2023 is a defining year for Nigeria, which is why the citizens should be united and speak with one voice.
The Speaker wished Nigerians success individually and collectively in 2023, calling for prayers for successful elections.
December 31, 2022
Gbajabiamila Commissions Roads, Council legislative building in Surulere
…urges constituents to vote APC for more development
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has urged residents in his Surulere 1 Federal Constituency to come out on election day in February to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to witness more development in the constituency.
Gbajabiamila said this during the commissioning ceremony of several projects completed by the administration of the Surulere Local Government Chairman, Hon. Sulaimon Yusuf on Thursday.
The projects commissioned by the speaker includes a newly constructed legislative building, which was named after the Speaker, the renovated local government secretariat building, and two road projects on Makinde Street and Owolewa Road.
Speaking during the ceremony, Gbajabiamila commended the local government chairman, Hon. Sulaimon Yusuf, and his team for working tirelessly to provide development for the people in the local government.
“I congratulate you today for what you have been able to achieve. Surulere, over the years had issues, from factions to other issues, but we thank God today, we are here in Surulere celebrating success. I have just come from commissioning two roads. I have seen what you have done in the areas of health, education, etc. I appreciate the team work.”
The Speaker said for this development to continue and be improved upon, residents should come out and vote for the APC in the February 2023 elections.
The chairman of the local government, Hon. Sulaimon Yusuf, while welcoming the Speaker to the occasion, thanked him on behalf of the local government for all the infrastructural development he has brought to Surulere.
“On behalf of the good people of Surulere Local Government and my humble self, I wish to express our appreciation to you Sir, for the massive infrastructural development, you are undertaking in this Local Government and its environs, you have taken some giant strides that have endeared your good self to the people of this Local Government, especially on road construction, and lots of all other developmental work in various areas.
“Therefore the good people of Surulere Local Government wish to say a very big thank you Sir, for the provision of various laudable projects. We say thank you to you Sir our amiable Speaking Speaker for exemplary leadership. Also we are grateful for the attention you have given to our circumstances and challenges.”
December 29, 2022
2023: Tinubu has been friendly to Igbos in Lagos – Gbajabiamila
•says all tribes enjoy developmental projects
The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has urged Nigerians to vote for detribalized leaders that have a deep connection with the grassroots.
He said the most effective means of assessing the dividends of democracy is to vote for leaders who have identified with the people on the street even when they were in and out of power.
Gbajabiamila said Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is the only leader among those contesting for the presidency in the 2023 general elections that knows the challenges confronting the average Nigerians and has always found the best ways to address their issues because he has always identified with Nigerians on the street.
Addressing residents of Coker Aguda and Itire Ikate areas of Surulere 2 Federal Constituency at a rally, Gbajabiamila stressed the importance of voting for leaders who individuals can access at a time of need without the fear of being denied by official protocols.
He said a vote for Tinubu is a vote for an all-inclusive government while citing the developments that have been brought to Surulere 1 and 2 through his membership of the House of Representatives and the government of APC.
He said: “Asiwaju is someone that anybody can see; he is a leader that listens and tries to attend to all issues. There’s nothing like a leader that listens, a leader you know, that you can always run to in times of need.
“Asiwaju elevated Ben Akabueze from commissioner in Lagos to DG of Budget Office of the federation even when Akabueze is from Anambra state. Ben determines the budget of the whole Nigeria; no state in Nigeria can parade the number of non-indigenes and non-Yorubas in government like Lagos.
“I can continue to mention many south easterners that have enjoyed the touch of God and Tinubu in their lives. South Easterners and South South people are trading and living in peace in Lagos.“
While reeling out the different health, education, and road infrastructural projects brought to Surulere 2 and facilitated by him, Gbajabiamila noted that the developments were brought to Surulere 2 where every resident benefits irrespective of ethnic or religious difference.
Gbajabiamila encouraged residents to vote for Tinubu and APC candidates to continue to enjoy quality governance at the grassroots, while adding that their Permanent Voter Card (PVC) is their most prized asset to vote for the candidates of their choice.
While encouraging the residents of Coker Aguda and Itire Ikate not to see themselves in terms of geographical differences of constituencies, Gbajabiamila urged them to reach out and encourage every resident of Surulere 2 irrespective of their state of origin, to vote massively for Lanre Okunlola, Eshinlokun, Sanwoolu, Tinubu and all APC candidates in the general elections.
“When you vote for Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Eshinlokun, Okunlola, Desmond Elliot, Sangodara, myself, and all APC candidates, you will have more than double the physical developments you are witnessing now,” he added.
December 26, 2022
Christmas: Gbajabiamila rejoices with Christians, calls for national prayers
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has rejoiced with the Christian faithful for marking this year’s Christmas.
Gbajabiamila said Christmas, which is marked to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, is a period for sober reflection and re-dedication to His teachings and ways.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, Speaker Gbajabiamila enjoined the Christian faithful and other Nigerians to use the period to pray for a peaceful and successful general elections in 2023.
He said as the country was getting ready for the general elections, it was imperative for Nigerians to eschew any form of violence and acts that could undermine the peaceful conduct of the polls.
The Speaker equally urged Nigerians to cooperate with all the relevant government agencies and officials before, during, and after the elections.
He wished the Christian faithful peaceful Christmas celebrations.
December 24, 2022
Gbajabiamila commiserates Ghali Na’Abba over mother’s death
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has expressed sadness over the death of Hajiya Rabi, the mother of a former speaker, Rt. Hon. Umar Ghali Na’Abba.
Gbajabiamila said Hajiya Rabi lived a fulfilled life full of service to humanity as could be seen from her community service.
The Speaker noted that Hajiya Rabi will be sorely missed, especially for her motherly counsel to the Na’Abba family and her entire community.
Gbajabiamila sent heartfelt condolences to the Na’Abba family, the people and the government of Kano State.
He prayed that Allah should grant her soul eternal rest and make Jannatul Firdaus her final abode.
December 24, 2022