••Discusses the demanding nature of his role under President Tinubu.
•••Shares insights on supporting Tajudeen Abbas for speakership.
•••Abbas praises Gbajabiamila’s leadership qualities.By Mercy Okpe, Lagos.
Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, revealed over the weekend that taking on the role of Chief of Staff has been the most challenging position he has ever held, primarily due to President Bola Tinubu’s rigorous work ethic.
During a conversation, book reading, and signing event at the Capital Club in Victoria Island, Gbajabiamila remarked that the demands of working alongside President Tinubu stem from his strong character and deep understanding of governance. “Nothing in this world can prepare you for the role of Chief of Staff. First, you lose your freedom,” he stated, emphasizing the stark contrast between his previous role as Speaker of the House of Representatives and his current position.
Reflecting on his time as Speaker, Gbajabiamila noted the autonomy he enjoyed, saying, “As Speaker, I could travel to cool off anytime, just to return better and get the work done.” In contrast, he described his current role as one where he is accountable to a boss who is not only strong but also highly knowledgeable about the intricacies of governance.
Gbajabiamila also revisited the 2023 speakership election, explaining his decision to support Hon. Tajudeen Abbas as his successor. He expressed confidence in Abbas’s abilities, stating that he was the best candidate for the job. “I wanted to leave a legacy that I would be proud of, and which my family would be proud of,” he said, recalling how he approached Abbas about the role.
In his address, Speaker Abbas praised Gbajabiamila for his leadership style, highlighting that he never attempted to exert undue influence during the election process. “Unlike the typical tradition in political parlance, the former speaker had never attempted to throw his weight or influence around,” Abbas remarked.
Reflecting on his political journey, Gbajabiamila shared the challenges he faced when campaigning against former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term bid, which ultimately shaped his own political trajectory. Despite the obstacles, he successfully secured multiple terms in the House of Representatives before becoming Speaker in 2019 and now serving as Chief of Staff.
Concluding his remarks, Gbajabiamila emphasized the importance of continuous learning for effective leadership, stating, “To be a successful leader, you must read, and it’s a process. It does not end. You must continue to read.”
