The unsavory development in the parliament, unarguably affected the change mantra of the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, who ousted the incumbent president due to the mass support of Nigerians who were in dire need of transformational leadership. The ambitious plan to fasttrack much needed development was bugged down by primordial political interest of the legislative leadership.
In 2019, the ruling party got its act right and ensured that the preferred candidates of the party, who are ideologically aligned with the transformational agenda of the progressives emerged. They are: Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-agege. For ther House of Representatives, the party settled for Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamiala and Idris Wase.
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The decision has paid off in the light of massive achievements under the leadership of the 9th National Assembly. Gbajabiamila, in particular, has demonstrated great astuteness and capacity as a legislator and proved to the many Nigerians that the government can truly serve the interest of the people.
Buoyed by the mantra of the 9th National Assembly, codenamed, Nation Building: Joint Task worked well for the nation in many respects, Gbajabiamila ensured a delicate balance of checks on the Executive arm of government, without necessarily being confrontational and hostile.
This strategy unarguably remains the masterstrokes that propelled the 9th National Assembly to succeed where the previous Assemblies had failed. Landmark legislations like the Petroleum Industry and Governance Bill, PIB that was precariously hanging in the balance for years became a reality. Also, fundamental issues that border on true federalism, devolution of power, which form the major plank of the agitations of the various interest groups got some attention in the constitution amendment process that was enabled by the House of Representatives under the leadership of Hon Gbajabiamila and the Nigerian Senate.
It is also imperative to note that the much anticipated amendment of the nation’s Electoral Act came through under this current National Assembly. They elevated national interests over and above personal interest by strengthening the extant law to address the loopholes in the electoral system of the country. This has further deepened the nation’s democracy and raised the hopes of Nigerians for free, fair and credible elections.
The NotTooYoungToRun bill that was passed under this current Assembly, opened the political floodgate for many young and brilliant Nigerians who were hitherto restrained from contesting because of age barrier. Many of them today, like the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, who is under 30, and many more gained entry into the nation’s leadership cadre.
Under Gbajabiamila, the PIB was also passed into law. It will address the inefficiencies in the oil and gas sector and also end the rip-off of Nigeria by the International Oil Corporation, IOCs, ensure better deals for the host community and open up other ancillary sectors and create massive employment opportunities.
In line with the global trend of E-governance, the Gbajabiamila-led House of Representatives set in motion the E-Parliament in order to strengthen the legislative performance of members and ensure inclusiveness in governance..
Gbajabiamila made history as the first Speaker who showed more than passing interest in parliamentary transnational diplomacy. He has been to many countries to douse tension and to look out for the interests of his country men.
He was in Ghana to champion a better deal for Nigerian traders who were affected by the obnoxious trade policy of the country. He met with the authorities in what he referred to as Back-door diplomacy and succour came the way of traders whose means of sustenance was about to be whipped out.
He extended the same patriotic overtures to the Chinese government and the South African Authorities in the heat of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other Africans.
Another landmark achievement is the restoration of the budget circle from January to December is another major feat. The new order has strengthened investors’ confidence in the nation’s economy, and enables Nigerians and companies to plan, ensure implementation of capital projects which averaged about 30 percent implementation rate.
Those accusing the Gbaja House of Representatives of being a rubber stamp legislature are either ignorant or being mischievous. The House which has on several occasions summoned Federal ministers and Heads of government agencies to account to the cannot be labelled a rubber stamp.
Gbajabiamila facilitated truce between the Federal Government and by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) culminating in the suspension of the protracted strike.
When doctors down tools over poor conditions of service, it was Gbajabiamila that waded in and ensured that normalcy returned to the nation’s public health sector.
The House that was galvanized by Gbajabiamila to protect the vulnerable Nigerians during the COVID-19 pandemic, and during the periods of national distress cannot be said not to be serving the interest of the people. In all, Gbajabiamila has demonstrated that he is indeed a pro-people leader who truly cares about the general welfare of the people.
•Adams Ogunniyi writes from Abuja
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