Femi Gbajabiamila closes 9th NASS, gives farewell speech
Story from Vivian DANIEL, Abuja
The outgoing speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, says that he believes the nation’s future is worth fighting for even as the 9th Nigeria National Assembly (NASS) comes to an end.
Gbajabiamila on Wednesday took to Twitter to give his farewell speech while also drawing the ninth NASS to its conclusion.
READ ALSO: After 20 years in the Nigerian Parliament, I am ready to serve as CoS – Femi Gbajabiamila
“As we bring this 9th @HouseNGR to a close, I am proud to say that by our joint effort at nation-building, we have ensured that the cause of Nigeria will long endure and the dreams of our nation’s founding fathers will not die,” he tweeted.
“We came, we saw, and while there is much yet to conquer, we have done our duty to God and country. I came to this honourable House 20 years ago, filled with hope for our nation’s future.
“I leave this office today with hope unbroken, my enthusiasm to serve remains undiminished.
“I am more confident that our best days are ahead and that we can build a future where our nation is a beacon of excellence, a refuge, and a place of pride for all who salute our flag and swear allegiance to our constitution.
“This is a future worth fighting for; this is the future I will never stop fighting for. Thank you, goodbye, God bless you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Gbajabiamila wrote.
Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) had last Friday in a statement signed by the State House spokesman, Abiodun Oladunjoye announced the appointment of Gbajabiamila as the new Chief of Staff.
Gbajabiamila assumed office as the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives in 2019.
He was returning to the House for his 5th term back in 2019 and after an unsuccessful attempt to become the Speaker four years earlier in 2015, he clinched the position remarkably.
Gbajabiamila polled a total number of 281 votes to defeat his opponent back then, Mohammed Umar Bago, who is now the Governor of Niger State.
In Nigeria’s history, June 11, 2019, will be a day to remember as it was the day the Nigerian Parliament for the first time got someone who had occupied both the Minority and Majority leadership position and was elected as a Speaker.
Meanwhile, the House held its valedictory session on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, which the outgoing Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, presided over.
Leaders and members of the House spent about three and a half hours in session to recall major events recorded in the chamber in the last four years.
The 9th House of Representatives passed 510 out of 2,232 Bills.
Part of the successes the 9th House of Reps recorded under the leadership of Gbajabiamila include the PIA, the Gender Bill that has passed its second reading among others.
In attendance were former presiding and principal officers of the House, including Ghali Na’Abba, Patricia Etteh, Babangida Ngoroje, and Mulikat Akande-Adeola, among others.
Etteh spoke on behalf of the ex-lawmakers, after which Gbajabiamila presented 9th House membership certificates to members, starting with the Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase.
The Speaker remarked that it was the first time in the history of the National Assembly that certificates would be issued to outgoing members.
Then, the principal officers took photographs with Gbajabiamila.
At the close of the session, Gbajabiamila asked the Majority Leader, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, to move a motion for the House to adjourn its plenary sine die (indefinitely). It was seconded by the Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu.
Gbajabiamila put the motion to voice vote, which the lawmakers unanimously adopted.
The 10th National Assembly is scheduled for inauguration on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.
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