ABUJA, Nigeria – Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has resigned from his legislative role to take up a new position as the Chief of Staff to the president.
The news was announced in the house on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, with Gbajabiamila’s letter of resignation read aloud by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.
Questions had arisen about how Gbajabiamila would handle both roles, especially given that he had been inaugurated with his colleagues just a day prior and had participated in the voting for the House’s new leadership.
Now that Gbajabiamila has formally stepped down as the representative for Surulere 1, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, will have to conduct a by-election to fill his vacated seat.
This development highlights the transitional changes currently happening within the Nigerian government as officials adjust to their new roles and responsibilities.