Gbajabiamila: Let him speak

Our first serious encounter was in 2011. I had just returned to Nigeria fresh from six months of academic research at Oxford University under the auspices of the Reuters Journalism Fellowship. 

I dropped by Bourdillon to inform Asiwaju Tinubu that I was back and to thank him for his support through the years and understanding as I pursued this academic goal. Even through my investigative journalistic years I enjoyed great support from him.  

After some friendly banter and political arguments, I told Asiwaju that I intended to enroll n a full time Doctorate program. Needling me in jocular fashion, Asiwaju kept laughing and challenging me to explain why a PhD was necessary.  We debated back and forth. At some point during the conversation, Hon. Gbajabiamila breezed into the room and quickly contributed to the conversation showing practical but profound insight.  He declared that education was required and he supported my quest. He even stated that such an experience in an institution such as Oxford would indeed be excellent. However, he postulated, there was no need for me to leave where I now was if my goal was to further my education. Gbajabiamila offered that I could get the best PhD in politics simply by working for Asiwaju.  It was a counsel well timed. The minute I heard him speak, I knew what he said was correct and wise just like Asiwaju counseled.I accepted this counsel because there was no better advice to have been given. I have no regrets and there is not a moment that I do not thank Asiwaju and of course Hon. Gbajabiamila for their timely and sage intervention that set me on an exciting full political immersion that culminated in the dislodgement of the PDP political behemoth by the APC political coalition.

As a journalist with nearly 3 decades of experience I have followed Hon. Gbajabiamila’s career before this encounter.  He has always been known to have a way with words. His legal background stood him in good stead.  The man is articulate and urbane yet can be straightforward and piercing if the situation mandates such directness. He recalls to mind the Cicero of Esa Oke, Chief Bola Ige.  

Over the years Gbajabiamila has grown to be the consummate lawmaker.Fair and objective. Principled and committed to progressive ideals that would better the lives of the average person. Blessed with a sharp intellect, this man has learned and studied the craft of lawmaking and governance. He is that rare combination of experience and ability that beckons greater responsibility and leadership.

Given the challenges that face our nation and understanding the present situation in the National Assembly, the times require that a man with special ability and character step forward to become the Speaker of the House.  The man of the hour in this regard is Gbajabiamila. It is time to allow him to lead the house so that it can truly represent the people and fashion legislation on their behalf and to their benefit. 

Even after elections, the air remains thick with politics.  Elections for the National Assembly leadership positions near approach; the stakes are high; the bidders are many.  In making this selection, we would be wise to remember the subterfuge that led to the outgoing leadership and how the nation suffered missed opportunity after missed opportunity because of the regressive nature of that leadership.  Not minding that they have taken to the media space to try and pull the wool over our faces.

Nigerians dare not tempt fate by echoing the same mistake. Because like wounded wolves they are prowling seeking people to devour.

Placing the direction of the National Assembly and its array of legislative power in inexperienced or selfish hands is a dangerous proposition. Abuse of power and self-aggrandizement will become the order of the day. It is time to remove the cloud that now hovers over the National Assembly over these past four years because of the errancy of the outgoing Speaker and his co-conspirator, the acerbic, desperate outgoing Senate President.

In choosing a new hand to steer the green chamber, may character, experience, courage, fecundity of mind and an abiding compassion for the people come into full play. Gbajabiamila excels in all these indices. After a near desecration it is time for someone of his caliber to come along and clean up. 

He worked diligently in Chamber over the years. He has been loyal to party, President and progressive principles, at time sacrificing his personal goals for these greater ones. 

His track record reveals a man with a steady hand and someone willing to listen to all voices and to seek compromise where compromise and accommodation are possible.

This is the type of person we need to lift public perception and respect for the House of Representatives. This is the man Nigeria needs to craft meaningful legislation that will help accelerate reform and turn our economy into a more just and productive one.

Honorable Gbajabiamila is the man for the moment. Let us not allow either the moment or the man to slip by this time. With him as Speaker, we all will complain a lot less and rejoice a lot more at the work that the House will do for Nigeria.The development agenda of the President Buhari led administration will gain greater traction. Nigerians and Nigeria will be the greatest beneficiary. The time is set. The season is upon now. Give Honorable Gbajabiamila the gavel. Let him Speak.