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Fashola, Tinubu, Tambuwal, Others Commend Hon. Gbajabiamila's Courage At Launch Of Political Memoirs

Jun 27, 2012 - Notable Nigerians from all walks of life including Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN),his counterparts from Ogun and Ekiti States, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Dr Kayode Fayemi , the national leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal on Wednesday gathered to honour the Minority leader in the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, describing him as a fearless, dedicated and courageous leader of the opposition in the House of Representatives.

The dignitaries who all spoke glowingly about Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila at the City Hall, Lagos during his 50th birthday and presentation of his political memoirs written by Dr Wale Okediran titled, ''Fearless: The Emergence of a Virile and Formidable Opposition Leader,'' said the opposition leader represents everything that is good about a parliamentarian.

Governor Babatunde Fashola in his address said in describing Hon. Gbajabiamila as a fearless parliamentarian, it does not mean he has no fear in him but simply means that he is a man who in spite of fears still continues to act on his convictions.

He commended the intellect and integrity which Hon. Gbajabiamila has brought to bear at the National Assembly adding that he is only following the tradition of great leaders like late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Senator Jonathan Odebiyi, Senator Abraham Adesanya and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who were great leaders of opposition in the National Assembly.

He alluded to the tribute paid to the celebrant by a member of the House of Representatives representing the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Hon. Aliu Gebu who described him as a great man adding that it represents a true reflection of who he is.

The Governor used the occasion to lend his voice to a revisit of the constitutional provisions that fetters the discretion of the judiciary to determine cases and when it should be disposed of, adding that Nigerians must be ready to put the law to judicial test to see if it can stand constitutional scrutiny.

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun while speaking described the celebrant as one who epitomizes all that is good in a parliamentarian adding that he represents his benchmark of what is good in the National Assembly.

Governor Amosun who said the members of the Action Congress of Nigeria are proud of what the Minority leader is doing in the National Assembly added that he believes that the best is yet to come from him.

The National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in his address commended the present leadership of the House of Representative for its doggedness and commitment towards the development of the country.

Asiwaju Tinubu described Hon. Gbajabiamila as a dedicated, loyal, consistent and brilliant young man with a sound mind who has continued to make the country proud, adding that in making the choice of a leader of the opposition that will articulate the views of the opposition sharply, it was a bit difficult.

He said despite several inducements, Hon. Gbajabiamila stayed firm which is a demonstration of what the new generation of leaders in Nigeria should emulate, adding that for the fact that he is loyal he would be rewarded.

He also commended Speaker Aminu Tambuwal for the inspirational leadership which he is providing to the House of Representatives, adding that he should not be intimidated because it is a route which he has once passed through.

He appealed to the Speaker to ensure that the House takes a second look at the constitutional provision which pegs 180 days as the maximum number of days on which election matters can be heard by the law courts.

He said there is no way Nigerians can have the law smuggled into the Constitution through the back door, adding that it is one law which affects the rights of all Nigerians.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal in his remarks said he was attracted to the celebrant because they both share the same core values irrespective of their different political backgrounds.

He described him as a very committed and tenacious Nigerian who always held his grounds on his convictions as can be attested to by many of the former Speakers who have presided in the House of Representatives.

He also gave a commitment that the House of Representatives will take another look at the provisions of the Constitution as it affects the issue of days of election petition hearing, adding that whatever shortcomings that are noticed would be adequately addressed.

The Speaker alluded to a section in the book which alleged that his relationship with Hon. Gbajabiamila was financially induced saying that he has never at any point influenced or attempted to influence him with any monetary inducements. "It was our common vision for the country that makes us flock together, nothing more ,nothing less".

Also speaking, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Hon Aliu Gebu said since he arrived in Lagos for the ceremony he has been impressed by the peaceful nature of the State and commended Governor Fashola for the good work he is doing.

He added that Hon. Gbajabiamila represents not only what is good in a parliamentarian but all that is good in humanity, adding that to him as a member of the opposition in the House of Representatives, he is already a brand.

Elder Statesman and Former Federal Commissioner for Works, Alhaji Femi Okunnu (SAN) who chaired the event said Nigeria needs young men and women with the vision of a great Nigeria, adding that he sees Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as one of such great upcoming leaders.

Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai also paid glowing tributes to the celebrant saying he is one Nigerian politician who cares about the Nigerian nation and about always doing the right thing.

The celebrant while responding for the honour done to him thanked the leadership of the A.C.N for reposing confidence in him.

He said he visualizes that in the next dispensation the epithet would have changed from being a leader of the opposition to a leader of the ruling party.

The ceremony also attracted many bigwigs in the political circle including Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Special Adviser to the President on Inter-party affairs, Chief Ben Obi, some members of the House of Representatives and other dignitaries.