Femi Gbajabiamila formally declares intention to run as Speaker, gives reasons

Femi Gbajabiamila, a member of the House of Representatives, and Majority Leader, has formally declared intention to run for the position of Speaker in the ninth Assembly.

This declaration was made by Gbajabiamila at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja on Sunday.

Why he says he wants the office

“I seek the office of the Speaker to bring our tendencies together and unite us as a country.”

“I seek the office of the Speaker to bring governance even closer to the people. I seek the office of the Speaker to mentor the next generation. I seek the office of the Speaker so I can galvanise Honourable members to make life more abundant for every Nigerian, irrespective of tribe, religious background or political persuasion.

“There is so much work to be done by way of legislation in many areas of our life, including but not limited to education, health, power, infrastructure and alleviation of poverty. I believe many of these deficits can be addressed.”

Why he thinks he’d do well in the position

“It is this wealth of experience and a burning desire for good governance that I bring to the table; a desire to take the legislature to the next level, standing tall and shoulder-to-shoulder with the most advanced legislatures world over.

“I have spent the last four years in doing my best to stabilse the House, while exploring and studying how best we as legislators can unleash the full potentials of this country. I have taken copious mental and physical notes, and it is time for implementation.”

“With all sense of humility, I seek this office with a rich legislative background and pedigree and having just won a historic fifth term mandate to the House. I have, in the last 16 years, dedicated my life to the service of my constituents and Nigeria.

“I have studied and understood the intricate workings of the legislature, a critical arm of government, and I have come to understand the imperative of striking a delicate balance in the relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government without compromising the latter’s independence. Indeed, there is an essential need for a symbiotic relationship between all arms and all tiers of government if we are to make steady progress in nation building.

“In these 16 years, I have been a principal officer for 12 years. I have occupied the office of leader of the opposition and successfully moved my party from opposition to majority in the House and thereafter assumed the position of house leader.”

What he intends to achieve with the position

“There is so much work to be done by way of legislation in many areas of our life, including but not limited to education, health, power, infrastructure and alleviation of poverty,” he added. “I believe many of these deficits can be addressed through meaningful and impactful legislation.”