Femi Gbajabiamila: A chief of staff for trying times, by Kola Amzat

Since the turn of the 4th Republic in 1999, no Nigerian president has come under barrage of attacks, as well as subject of persistence onslaught by Nigerians as President Bola Tinubu, simply on account of his government reforms as encapsulated in diverse policies rolled out particularly, the fuel subsidy removal and floatation of domestic currency.
But, the ex-Lagos state governor has developed very thick skin, potent enough to withstand the brickbats been thrown at him, to continually ward off the vitriolic attacks sometimes been sponsored by opposition groups and political foes.
It’s remarkable to note that the president has been very dogged, unwavering, and courageous with unusual will & zeal, to push his reforms through, on the basis of his deep conviction that they’re appropriate and strong enough to turn the tide in all the nation facets.
Happily and remarkably, the policy reforms are beginning to yield results.
After the eclipse, sun appears to be shining again!
At the tail end of year 2024, news had it that Nigeria’s foreign reserves grew by a notable $5.57 billion over six months, rising from $33.04 billion on April 8, 2024, to $38.61 billion by October 03, 2024, a cheery development that underscores the resilience of the country’s external position, even, despite on-going global economic challenges and very disturbing external factors.
It’s also instructive to note that, the debt service ratio has also witnessed a significant reduction from 97% to 68% of revenue, providing more financial latitude and leverage to invest in infrastructures and other essential social services like education and medical facilities.
The last days of December 2024 also witnessed the completion of rehabilitation works on old Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries, as well as commencement of production of oil products therefrom.
Stunningly, the NNPCL also affirmed that Kaduna Refinery would soon join the fray. In fact, the expectant nation expect that this could come to manifestation before 1st quarter of this year runs out against the background of urgency and importance attached to the project by the president.
The collaborative efforts on the part of nation security teams on the deep sea within Niger Delta region has ensured the jumping of nation oil production to more than 1.8 million barrel/day and efforts are still on-going to significantly increase the production further.
There are other policies reforms like Increase in monthly FAAC allocation to the 3 tiers of government, Fiscal Autonomy for Local Government Authority, Diverse Social Intervention Programs, and of course, Tax Reform Bill that is expected to be passed into law within the next couple of months, as well as assented to by the president, a development expected to ensure significant turn-around in all the nation gamut.
But, the crux of this Piece is indeed the unprecedented support and stability been provided for the president, and ultimately, to government by the Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila in ensuring that nobody rock the boat within the government.
It’s to the credit of the former House of Reps speaker that power and authority ONLY flows from Aso Villa and that, there is no discordant tunes from the seat of government.
Of course, Nigerians vividly recall that the above was not the case during the reigns of even immediate past president, Muhammud Buhari, as well as ex-president, Goodluck Jonathan.
Remarkably, the incumbent Chief of Staff to the president has been able to achieve this.
He’s been able to forge harmonious and seamless working relationship with Secretary to the Government of the Federation. He’s been able to dutifully and successfully co-ordinate the activities of the cabinet ministers.
He’s been able to provide fruitful, functional and productive linkage between the ministers and the president.
More importantly, he’s been able to improve in significant terms, the working relationship between the Executive and Legislative, deploying his very rich legislative experience as once a floor member of Lower Chamber, former minority leader, former majority leader and former Speaker of the parliament.
Credit must also go to Lagos, Surulere born politician for been able to provide harmonious relationship between the president and the governors, some of who could be very problematic, disruptive and so demanding in their requests.
It’s also important to submit that the former lawmaker has brought to bear his gargantuan experience and knowledge in managing the entire spectrum of presidency’s workforce that includes diverse Nigerians professionals across the country, with diverse interests, political interests from the six Geo-political zones, and interests from leaders of thoughts across the country, relationship & interests with traditional rulers all over the country, and, even, religious bodies, business interests from Corporate Nigerian, relationship with governments across the globe, business interests from International financial Institutions and bodies, continual pressure from the nation academic community etc.
While the Chief of Staff is managing and taking charge of the affairs of the above interests combined together at Villa, he’s also ensuring that his Lagos Surulere Federal Constituents don’t suffer in whatever form, on account of his appointment to his present office.
3RD and 4th quarters of 2024 witnessed avalanche of high octane projects to that federal constituents.
The projects include hospital of contemporary standard, modern secondary schools equipped with ICT equipment, construction of roads that linked the nooks & crannies of the federal constituents together, and more importantly, empowerment of teeming youth’s population within the axis with vocational skills that would for-ever ensure their means of livelihood.
No iota of doubt, Gbajabiamila glorious accomplishments in office to date justified the resolve of the president to retain him against all odds, when groups with diverse interests arose with dagger drawn and advised the president to terminate his appointment, on the basis of spurious allegations that he’s collecting huge sums from politicians and Nigerians in quest of federal appointments.
They also made spirited attempts to unearth a legal case he was involved decades ago abroad, which the curtains had been drawn by court of law.
With all intents and purposes, Gbajabiamila has eloquently proved that he’s worthy and deserving of the office of Chief of Staff to the president, largely on account of his unalloyed loyalty, rich political experience & antecedents, diligence, mien & panache, sound intellect and knowledge, as well as his resourcefulness and productiveness on the job.
This writer therefore applaud and give accolades to the president for standing his ground to retain him in office.
Kola AMZAT (FCA, FCIB)
Lagos based Financial & Management Consultants,
09077509348.