PUNCH
The newly appointed Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu is no stranger to Nigeria’s political sphere.
Popularly called ‘Gbaja,’ the CoS is an age-long associate of Tinubu, and both have maintained this relationship on a steady course.
No wonder he was designated as the 3rd most powerful man after the president and his vice, at the Executive level of government.
The primary duty of a Chief of Staff is to act as the principal aide and advisor to the President or Governor, as the case may be. They serve as a key liaison between the President and other government officials, political leaders, and stakeholders.
Often regarded as the ‘gatekeeper’ to the President, the Chief of Staff does not hold direct constitutional powers. Yet, the influence and impact of the office on decision-making processes cannot be underestimated.
Olufemi Hakeem Gbajabiamila, the outgoing Speaker of the House of Representatives, was appointed as the CoS by Tinubu, on Friday, June 2.
He has over 20 years of experience in Nigerian politics, making him familiar with the modus operandi of the nation’s much-heated political system.
Born on June 25, 1962, Gbajabiamlila had his secondary education at Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos and proceeded from there to the King Williams College, Isle of Man, the United Kingdom for his Advanced Level.
He graduated at the top of his class and went on to the University of Lagos for a three-year Bachelor of Laws degree programme. He graduated from the University of Lagos with honours in 1983 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1984.
Femi Gbajabiamila started his career as a lawyer with the law firm of Bentley, Edu and Co., where he distinguished himself with an exemplary discipline and good work ethic. He eventually left Bentley, Edu and Co. to set up his practice, Femi Gbaja and Co.
