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Tag: Femi Gbajabiamila

NBA: Gbajabiamila congratulates Maikyau on assumption of office, thanks Akpata for successful tenure
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has congratulated Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau (SAN) on his assumption of office as the President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).
Gbajabiamila said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, that Maikyau is a senior and experienced lawyer and his election is evidence that the community of lawyers in Nigeria have faith in his ability to lead the NBA capably with integrity and vision. The speaker urged the new NBA president to carry all members of the foremost association along in the next two years of his leadership.
Gbajabiamila also appreciated the immediate past NBA President, Olumide Akpata, for his selfless service to the association, noting that he has set a bar in the leadership of the NBA.
As a member of the NBA, the speaker said he was especially proud of the collaboration between the House of Representatives and the NBA under Akpata. Gbajabiamila noted that under the leadership of Olumide Akpata, the House of Representatives initiated a partnership with the NBA through which the association provides specialist support on critical and systemically important legislation to ensure that our nation’s laws meet the best standards. This partnership led to productive collaboration on such landmark legislation as the Electoral Act 2022 and, the Police Service Commission Bill, amongst others.
The Speaker expressed his hope that such collaboration will continue and grow under the new leadership.
While wishing Maikyau a successful tenure, Gbajabiamila also wished Akpata well in his future endeavours.
August 30, 2022
Gbajabiamila mourns Prof. Akin Mabogunje
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has described the death of a foremost geographer, Prof. Akin Mabogunje, as a sad development.
Gbajabiamila said Prof. Mabogunje, the first African President of the International Geographical Union, was one Nigerian that lived an exemplary life.
He said during his lifetime, Prof. Mabogunje symbolized diligence, hard work and patriotism, noting that he would be sorely missed.
Gbajabiamila recalled Prof. Mabogunje’s invaluable contributions to the growth and development of geography as a field of study not just in Nigeria but also the world over.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker sent heartfelt condolences to the family of the late academician.
Speaker Gbajabiamila also prayed to God to grant Prof. Mabogunje a peaceful resting place.
August 6, 2022
Reactions as Femi Gbajabiamila attends Havard Amid ASUU Strike
Some Nigerians on social media, Tuesday, expressed displeasure over the resumption of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila in a university in the United States of America amidst the lingering strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
ASUU had on February 14, 2022, announced the commencement of industrial action following the failure of the government to meet some lingering demands of the union.
Gbajabiamila had on Tuesday tweeted via his verified Twitter handle, @femigbaja that he had gone back to the Harvard Kennedy School.
“Back to class. In a leadership course @havard @Kennedy_school. Forget the number of grey hairs, one is never too old to learn.”
Commenting on the development, a Twitter user @Santos tweeted, “Sir? What is your take on the five months ASUU strike in Nigeria as the leader of law-making arm of Nigeria govt? The university students have being at home for five months.
“Do you honestly think that showing us pictures your Harvard lecture class is the best at this moment?”.
Another Twitter user, Halidu Adamu, tweeted, “The irony. These guys are completely desensitised. Tweeting about attending classes in a foreign university while ours at home have been locked for months. ASUU needs to wake up and smell the coffee, this action is not leading anywhere constructive.”
Another Twitter user, Akintunde Babatunde, also tweeted, “ If universities in the USA were to be on strike, how will you be able to experience a working system? Walk around and see how basic things works in a normal university? Let’s hope you’ll return and use your influence to make our educational institutions work.”
Reports have it that under the tenure of Gbajabiamila as the speaker of the house of reps, ASUU embarked on strike for close to 12 months, nine months in 2020 and close to six months in 2022.
July 26, 2022
Gbajabiamila congratulates Y. C. Maikyau on emergence as NBA President
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has congratulated Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau (SAN) on his emergence as the new President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).
Gbajabiamila also congratulated other newly elected national officials of the lawyers’ association, who emerged at the just concluded elections of the NBA.
The speaker said with Maikyau’s experience as a senior lawyer of repute, he believed the NBA would be taken to the next level of growth and development.
Gbajabiamila, who is also a lawyer, expressed satisfaction with the way and manner the NBA members conducted themselves during the elections, held virtually at the weekend.
He said with their conduct, the NBA has become a pacesetter and a role model to other associations.
The speaker wished Maikyau and other elected executive members of the NBA national body a successful tenure.
July 18, 2022
Gbajabiamila welcomes Shettima’s choice as Tinubu’s running mate
The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has described the choice of Senator Kashim Shettima as the running mate of the Presidential Candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a wise decision.
Gbajabiamila expressed delight that Tinubu settled for one of the best hands for the job of Nigeria’s Vice-President.
He said Shettima has over the years proved his mettle as a shrewd and progressive politician whose eight years as governor of Borno State – from 2011 to 2019 – was a defining moment for the state.
“Asiwaju is widely known as the biggest talent hunter in the country who has over the years assembled an army of performers in governance irrespective of their ethnicity or religious leaning. This unique feature also can be found in Sen. Shettima following his track record of excellence in both the private and public sectors”, the Speaker said.
As a foremost banker, Gbajabiamila said Shettima has the right character and intellectual capacity to turn things around hence having him as the Vice-President under a Tinubu presidency will be a masterstroke in the management of the economy.
Recalling his first encounter with Shettima, Gbajabiamila said: “My first encounter with Gov Shettima, who I had admired from afar, was many years ago when he and I travelled together with Asiwaju to the UK to address the issue of terrorism with the British and Nigerians in the Diaspora.
“I was amazed by Shettima’s depth, ability and capacity to engage Christian Amanpour, a journalist of international repute. He earned my respect (and I must say that of his interviewer) even more ever since then.”
The Speaker said the Tinubu/Shettima ticket is a good combination that will lead to success at the polls for the APC.
Gbajabiamila congratulated the Asiwaju for making “the wise decision,” noting that Nigerians yearned for such a great team.
The Speaker called on Nigerians to support the Tinubu/Shettima ticket and other APC candidates for various elective offices during the 2023 elections.
July 11, 2022
Eid-El-Kabir: Gbajabiamila greets Muslims, urges unity of purpose
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has rejoiced with the Nigerian Muslims on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
Gbajabiamila noted that the period calls for sacrifice and commitment to the course of the Almighty Allah.
He called on Nigerian Muslims, especially those participating in this year’s Hajj, to redouble their prayers for the country.
At times like this, the Speaker said, it is incumbent on the people to be united as one people to face the challenges confronting the country.
Speaker Gbajabiamila was optimistic that with prayers, Nigeria will overcome her challenges, calling for special prayers for the peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections.
July 8, 2022
Gbajabiamila mourns late Alaafin Adeyemi’s wife, Kafayat
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has expressed sadness over the death of Olori Kafayat, one of the wives of the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.
The Speaker said Olori Kafayat’s passing was a painful one coming only a few months after the death of the Alaafin.
Gbajabiamila described the late Olori Kafayat as a good wife and mother who ensured peaceful coexistence among the people of Oyo Kingdom as the wife of the Alaafin.
He said it was unfortunate that Olori Kafayat died at a time the entire family of the late Alaafin needed her more as a mother.
Gbajabiamila, while praying God to grant the late Olori Kafayat eternal rest, sent his condolences to the Government and people of Oyo, particularly the Oyo Kingdom and the family of the late Alaafin.
July 3, 2022
60th birthday: Continue to serve Nigeria, says Buhari
…Gbajabiamila remains a patriotic Nigerian – Tinubu
President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila remain patriotic to Nigeria like he has always shown.
While urging him to continue to serve the country in every way possible, President Buhari noted that Gbajabiamila as Speaker of the House has positively changed the public perception of the relationship between the legislature and the executive.
Buhari spoke at a special prayer session organized in honour of the Speaker to mark his 60th birthday at the Ansar-Ud-Deen central Mosque, Wuse 2, Abuja on Saturday.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, who said the president had directed him to wish the Speaker a happy 60th birthday, also noted that President Buhari has always stood for free and fair process, which was why he was happy when Tinubu emerged as the presidential flag-bearer of APC in such a process.
“The message from Mr. President is to congratulate you on your 60th birthday. He also wants to urge you to continue to serve the country well.”
He said the House of Representatives under Gbajabiamila has ensured a good working relationship with the Executive arm against the notion in some quarters that the National Assembly should “be antagonistic to the Executive.”
He also said President Buhari wanted to assure Nigerians that he did not have any intention to subvert the constitution to extend his tenure in office.
President Buhari also wanted to reiterate his belief in the aspiration for a peaceful and a united Nigeria, Prof Gambari said.
On his part, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu also described the Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila as a patriotic Nigerian, who uses his position to enhance good governance.
Tinubu, who is also the National Leader of APC, said God has made it possible for Gbajabiamila to impact positively on the lives of Nigerians through the Legislature.
The APC presidential candidate prayed for God to continue to bless and grant the Speaker long life and wisdom to serve Nigeria better.
“May God continue to give you good health. May He also answer your prayers. Only God will put us on the right path and continue to guide us through life to overcome the problem of leadership.
“May God give you good health to work for Nigeria. It is a complex country that you have to navigate through. May Allah in His infinite mercy give us the stability, the peace to govern; the love that we share for one another, the patriotism that will make us proud of our country,” he said.
The Chief Imam of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Mosque, Dr. Musa Olaofe, who led the prayers for Gbajabiamila, prayed Allah to protect and guide the Speaker.
In a short lecture on leadership, good governance and tolerance, Dr. Olaofe said Nigeria is difficult to govern due to its nature.
However, he said, with good leadership, there will be good governance, urging Nigerians to be tolerant with one another for meaningful progress.
He noted that Gbajabiamila is a unifier as he brought people from different parts of the country together to work with him.
Imam Olaofe stressed that the Qur’an admonishes Muslims to be good and lenient to all human beings, saying the Speaker represents both.
In his votes of thanks, Gbajabiamila expressed gratitude to the president for his kind words and for delegating his Chief of Staff to attend the prayer session.
The Speaker also said that he owed his political journey to God through Tinubu, whom he said the Almighty Allah used to uplift him and many others politically and otherwise.
Gbajabiamila equally thanked his mother, Hajiya Lateefat Olufunke Gbajabiamila, who raised him in a good manner as well as his wife, Salamatu, who organized the prayer session.
“Let me first of all start by appreciating the president though the COS. Let me also appreciate my benefactor. Many believe that wherever you find yourself, all power belongs to Allah.
“But Allah doesn’t come down to give you power. He guides and directs you. In doing so, He directed me to Asiwaju. He did it to me, and not just me, he did it to others too. May the Almighty Allah continue to give you that very uncommon capacity.”
He expressed appreciation to his colleagues in the House who have been supporting and cooperating with him to discharge his responsibilities as first among equals.
Many dignitaries, including the Governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola, the Special Adviser to President, Alh. Yau Darazo, many members of the House, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Dele Belgore (SAN), among others attended the prayer session.
June 25, 2022
Governor Lalong Felicitates With Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila @60
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has felicitated with Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila on his 60th birthday.
Governor Lalong in a message said Speaker Gbajabiamila is a unique politician whose passion for the weak and vulnerable continues to drive him towards advocating for the implementation of projects and programmes that tackle poverty, inequality, unemployment and other areas.
He said the Speaker has provided purposeful leadership to the 9th Assembly making it one of the most vibrant, proactive and committed to tackling critical issues that have remained unresolved in the polity for many years.
The Governor particularly appreciated the Speaker for his fairness and all-inclusive leadership style that has engendered harmony and cooperation within the House of Representatives thereby enabling the business of law making to go on without drawbacks that are motivated by party differences and other interests.
Lalong also thanked the Speaker for his support to Plateau State and working closely with the legislators from Plateau particularly the Deputy Speaker Idris Wase with whom they have steered the affairs of the Green Chambers with enermous success.
While wishing him many more years of God’s blessings and good health, Lalong urged him to continue to work for the good of the people which has been his hallmark over the years.
June 25, 2022
Gbajabiamila wins APC ticket to run for 6th term
Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker, House of Representatives, has won the All Progressives Congress, APC, ticket for the sixth term, unopposed, for Surulere Federal Constituency I.
The primary election was held on Friday at Akerele Primary Health Centre, Surulere, amid tight security provided by the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Department of State Services.
The election, which started with accreditation of delegates at 3pm, had 30 ad-hoc delegates drawn from nine wards in the constituency who were accredited and voted.
Ganiyu Adeyinka, representative of the Independent National Electoral Commission, while announcing the result, declared Gbajabiamila the winner.
The Speaker polled all the 30 votes as the sole contestant for the ticket.
Gbajabiamila has been in the House of Representatives since 1999. He was the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives in the seventh National Assembly.
He was elected the Speaker in the ninth National Assembly with 283 of 361 votes.
APC is holding its House of Assembly and House of Representatives primaries across the 40 Lagos State constituencies and 24 federal constituencies in the state.
May 27, 2022