President Bola Tinubu Makes Key Appointments Within Days of Assuming Power
Just four days after assuming the presidency, Bola Tinubu wasted no time in announcing his initial set of appointments. Among these notable appointments is Senator George Akume, the former Governor of Benue State, who has been chosen as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
In addition, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, has been appointed as the Chief of Staff, bringing his experience and leadership to the highest level of the executive office. Lastly, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, a former deputy governor of Jigawa State, has been entrusted with the role of Deputy Chief of Staff.
These appointments highlight Tinubu’s swift actions in assembling a competent team to assist him in governing the nation effectively from the very beginning of his tenure.
President Bola Tinubu’s Appointments Revealed in Official Statement by Abiodun Oladunjoye, State House Director of Information
In an official statement released by Abiodun Oladunjoye, the Director of Information at the State House in Abuja, the appointments made by President Tinubu were publicly announced. The President disclosed these appointments during a meeting with the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Former Benue State Governor, Senator George Akume, who previously served as the Minister of Special Duties under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was appointed as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). This appointment reflects President Tinubu’s confidence in Akume’s abilities to handle this crucial role.
Furthermore, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, expressed his willingness to collaborate with President Tinubu in fulfilling the substantial responsibilities that lie ahead. Gbajabiamila’s appointment as the Chief of Staff demonstrates Tinubu’s recognition of his competence and the importance of his contributions to the administration.
The statement emphasizes the significance of these appointments, which were made known through the official channels, and highlights the commitment of President Tinubu and his team to tackle the enormous challenges that await them.
Gbajabiamila Expresses Gratitude for Appointment as Chief of Staff, to Resign as Lawmaker
In response to his appointment as Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila expressed his appreciation for being deemed worthy of the position. With his extensive 20-year experience in the National Assembly and his recent re-election for a sixth term, he believes he is well-prepared for the significant responsibilities that lie ahead.
Gbajabiamila, born on June 25, 1962, received his secondary education at Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos. He pursued his Advanced Level studies at King Williams College in the United Kingdom, graduating at the top of his class. He then obtained an LLB degree from the University of Lagos, graduating with honors in 1983 and being called to the Nigerian Bar in 1984.
Starting his legal career at Bentley, Edu and Co., Gbajabiamila later established his own successful law firm, Femi Gbaja and Co. In 1998, he pursued further education at the John Marshall Law School in Atlanta, Georgia, where he graduated with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree magna cum laude. He passed the Georgia Bar exams and set up another thriving law office in the United States before returning to Nigeria.
Gbajabiamila ventured into partisan politics, initially joining the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and subsequently winning six consecutive terms to represent Surulere I Federal Constituency of Lagos in the National Assembly.
As he assumes the role of Chief of Staff on June 14, Gbajabiamila is required to resign from his position as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and as a member of the legislature. The Nigerian Constitution stipulates that members of the National Assembly must vacate their seats upon appointment to an executive office. However, Gbajabiamila has until June 14 to complete his term as Speaker, which ends on June 11. He may also be inaugurated as a member of the 10th House on June 13 before assuming his new role.
The extended timeline allows Gbajabiamila the opportunity to support the emergence of Mr. Tajudeen Abass as his successor. Abass, who has been endorsed as the next Speaker by the All Progressive Congress (APC) National Working Committee, aligns with a zoning template reportedly approved by President Tinubu. Once Gbajabiamila resigns, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will conduct a bye-election to fill the vacant seat for Surulere I Federal Constituency.
Meanwhile, Tajudeen Abass, the APC candidate for the speakership position in the upcoming 10th House of Representatives, congratulated Gbajabiamila on his appointment as Chief of Staff to President Tinubu. Abass acknowledged Gbajabiamila’s pedigree, capacity, and competence to handle national assignments. He commended President Tinubu for making a wise choice, emphasizing that Gbajabiamila’s two decades of parliamentary experience, serving in various leadership positions, will greatly contribute to Nigeria’s progress under Tinubu’s administration.
Abass expressed confidence that Gbajabiamila, in his role as Chief of Staff, will work diligently with President Tinubu to make Nigeria a better nation. Gbajabiamila’s appointment, announced on Friday, will take effect on June 14.
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