Tinubu: appoints Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff, Akume SGF

The President, Bola Tinubu, on Friday, appointed the outgoing Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, as his new Chief of Staff.

He also appointed a former Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, as Deputy Chief of Staff and Former Minister of Special Duties, George Akume, as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

This was revealed in a statement signed on Friday by the State House Director of Information, Abiodun Oladunjoye, titled ‘President Tinubu appoints Gbajabiamila COS, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, DCOS, George Akume, SGF.’

“In a meeting with Progressives Governors Forum, the President also named former Governor of Benue State and immediate past Minister of Special Duties, George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation,” the statement read.

Speaker of Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Zailani has hailed the appointment of Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.

Zailani through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ibrahim Danfulani, in a statement in Kaduna on Friday, described the appointment as well-deserved and based on merit given the incumbent Speaker of the House of Representatives’ enviable pedigree in diplomacy, administration and academics.

The Speaker said, “I wish to applaud President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila as his new Chief of Staff.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday appointed a former Minister of Special Duties, George Akume, as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Shortly after four days in office, Mr. Tinubu has made several appointments, including the outgoing Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, as his new Chief of Staff and a former Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, as Deputy Chief of Staff.

Tinubu has also met with security chiefs to discuss matters of national security.

Here are things you should know about Mr Akume

He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Ibadan in 1978 and a Master’s degree in Industrial and Labour Relations from the same university in 1986.

Akume was a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and served as the Minority Leader of the Senate from June 2011 to June 2015.

The new appointed chief of staff Femi Gbajabiamila was born on June 25, 1962, in Lagos, Nigeria.

He hails from Surulere, a local government area in Lagos State.

Gbajabiamila is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a major political party in Nigeria.

He attended Igbobi College in Yaba, Lagos for his secondary education.

Gbajabiamila furthered his studies at King William's College on the Isle of Man, United Kingdom.

He later obtained a Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree from the University of Lagos in 1983.

Gbajabiamila was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1984 after attending the Nigerian Law School.

Before venturing into politics, he worked as a legal practitioner in Nigeria and the United States.

Gbajabiamila holds a Master's degree in Law (LLM) from the John Marshall Law School, Chicago, United States.

In 2002, he founded a law firm called Femi Gbaja & Co. Chambers.

He was elected into the Nigerian House of Representatives for the Surulere constituency in 2003.

Gbajabiamila has been reelected multiple times, representing Surulere Federal Constituency since his initial election.

He has served as the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019.

Gbajabiamila is known for his oratory skills and his ability to effectively communicate legislative goals.

He is a strong advocate for youth empowerment and inclusive governance.

Gbajabiamila is a member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the International Bar Association (IBA).

He is a philanthropist and has been involved in various charitable activities within his constituency and beyond.

Gbajabiamila is married to Salamatu Gbajabiamila, and they have children together.

He is a devout Muslim and is actively involved in Islamic affairs.

Gbajabiamila is fluent in English and Yoruba, which is his native language.

He has authored and co-sponsored several bills in the Nigerian House of Representatives.

Gbajabiamila is a proponent of legislative reforms aimed at strengthening democracy and governance in Nigeria.

He has been actively involved in the passage of several crucial bills, including the Not Too Young to Run Bill.

Gbajabiamila has advocated for increased transparency and accountability in government processes.

He played a key role in the development and implementation of the Legislative Agenda of the 8th National Assembly.

Gbajabiamila has been recognized both nationally and internationally for his legislative contributions.

He has received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership and commitment to public service.

Gbajabiamila is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the American Bar Association (ABA).

He has participated in several conferences, seminars, and workshops on law, governance, and leadership.

Gbajabiamila is an advocate for the protection of human rights and the rule of law.

He has been vocal about the need for electoral reforms to ensure free and fair elections in Nigeria.

Gbajabiamila has been involved in the resolution of