Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu on Friday announced the appointment of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, as his Chief of Staff, and a former Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, as Deputy Chief of Staff.
The President, in a press statement issued by State House Director of Information, Abiodun Oladunjoye, also named former Governor of Benue State and immediate past Minister of Special Duties, George Akume, as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
Later Friday afternoon, Gbajabiamila formally accepted his appointment as the Chief of Staff to the President.
In a brief statement, Gbajabiamila appreciated Tinubu for finding him worthy, saying with his 20 years’ experience at the National Assembly, he was well equipped for the task ahead.
He said, “I shall work with Mr. President in discharging the enormous task ahead of him for the peace and progress of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I shall give my best when I take office on June 14, 2023 as reflected in Mr. President’s official letter.”
The newly appointed Chief of Staff to the President is not an outsider when it comes to Nigeria’s political sphere.
Popularly called ‘Gbaja,’ the CoS is an age-long associate of Tinubu, and both have maintained this relationship on a steady course.
His primary duty as Chief of Staff is to act as the principal aide to the President. He will serve as a key liaison between the President and other government officials, political leaders, and stakeholders.
Often regarded as the ‘gatekeeper’ for the President, the Chief of Staff does not hold direct constitutional powers. Yet, the influence and impact of the office on decision-making processes cannot be underestimated.
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