Hon Philip Agbese, the lawmaker representing Ado/ Okpokwu/ Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, has described the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila as a friend of the poor.
Agbese made this known in his birthday message to the immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives, who clocked 61 on Sunday.
The Benue lawmaker said Gbajabiamila has dedicated the better part of his life to the service of the nation and humanity at large.
He noted that the President’s Chief of Staff has always distinguished himself as a passionate, compassionate, and kindhearted Nigerian who puts the interest of the country first.
Agbese said as a lawmaker for two decades, he championed people-orientated legislation and took it to the next level as Speaker.
He added that the former member representing Surulere Federal Constituency had carried this same enthusiasm and love for his countrymen to his new assignment in the Presidency.
“On behalf of the good and loving people of my federal constituency, I want to felicitate with Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila on the occasion of his 61st birthday. I love to call him a friend of the masses,” Agbese said.
“All through his time in the House of Reps, Gbaja exhumed excellence, class, and capacity. He was that man who could go out of his way to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.
“These traits beamed further when he became Speaker. Gbaja displayed unrivalled commitment, passion, and visionary leadership to bring
stability to the House of Representatives.
“His pragmatic approach to politics and governance altered the status quo. The 9th Assembly broke new grounds under his watch, with 2,209 bills introduced, while around 451 were passed, surpassing the successes recorded by previous assemblies.
“This is aside from another set of 137 bills the lower legislative chamber received from the Senate for concurrence within the period under review. The majority were people-oriented. For example, the Electricity Bill, Student Bill, and PIA Bill have changed the dynamics.
“Gbaja has continued to touch lives as CoS. He ensured that the President assented to the Student Loan Bill, which is another milestone. With him in the Presidency, Nigerians should rest assured that a new dawn is upon us.
“It was an honour to have been colleagues with this extraordinary Nigerian no matter how brief it was. I can only wish him well in all his emdeavours”.