Femi Gbajabiamila, Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, has declared his intention to contest for the office of Speaker of the House in the incoming ninth assembly.
Gbajabiamila, who represents Surulere I Federal Constituency in Lagos State, made the declaration in a telecast on Sunday.
According to the lawmaker, he declared his intention to contest for the position because he wants to be a “beacon of hope” for young people in the country.
He also noted that with his return to the House for a fifth term, he has a rich legislative experience which puts him in good stead to ensure and bring harmony between the executive and the National Assembly.
The lawmaker from the All Progressives Congress (APC) said if elected, he would use the office to bring government closer to the people and to “galvanise federal lawmakers to make life more abundant for Nigerians.”
Gbajabiamila said: “We are not where we ought to be considering the abundance of talents and the blessings from God. However, I am rest assured that slowly but surely we will get there.
“It is because of this unshakeable belief in the potential and genius of Nigeria and the majesty of our democracy that I today, after wide consultations with my colleagues, friends, family, party and stakeholders and in total submission to the will of God, today formally declare my intention to seek the position of the office of the speaker of the 9th Assembly and offer my service to the nation in this capacity.
“With all sense of humility, I seek this office with a rich legislative background and pedigree and having just won a historic 5th term mandate to the house, I have in the last 16 years dedicated my life to the service of my constituents and Nigeria.
“I have studied and understood the intricate workings of the legislature, a critical arm of government and I have come to understand the imperative of striking a delicate balance in the relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government without compromising the latter‘s independence.”
Gbajabiamila also contested for the office of the Speaker in 2015 but lost to the incumbent, Yakubu Dogara, by eight votes.
He has been reportedly endorsed by the leadership of the APC as the ruling party’s preferred candidate to emerge as Speaker.
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