Deputy spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has said Speaker Tajudeen Abbas spoke the mind of the Green Chamber when he defended the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila over “unjustified and baseless allegations.”
Abbas had at a recent world press conference bemoaned what he described as the incessant media attacks on the former speaker as well as the endless allegations against him and urged those involved to cease forthwith.
While the speaker’s remarks caused a stir in the public domain, the House’s deputy spokesman said it was the collective opinion of the lawmakers, insisting that Gbajabiamila is an institutional legacy of the National Assembly and the parliament would go all out to defend his integrity, anytime.
Agbese told journalists that; “the Speaker was right and he has the backing of the entire parliament to do what he did”, adding that, “Nigerians have long understood the personality of the Rt. Hon. Speaker as an advocate of the masses”.
The member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State said the parliament is an institution and, all over the world, it is respected for its creations, antecedents and impacts on the society”.
Agbese further noted that no ‘element’ would be allowed to rubbish the image of citizens who have sacrificed their all for the good of the country.
“Those who hate Gbajabiamila should have a rethink. We all don’t have to like Femi. No. Everybody cannot like him. But we will not allow vested interests to sacrifice Femi’s integrity…that man has built a reputation and this cannot be sacrificed on the altar of mediocrity and frivolities.
“People who served our country for many years, refused to steal or become wealthy from the public coffers should at least be respected and celebrated.
“Gbajabiamila spent over 20 years in National Assembly, where he served in various leadership capacities, as Minority Whip, Minority Leader, House Leader and eventually Speaker of the 9th House.
“I’m sure if his integrity was in question, the totality of the House, numbering 360 Representatives of the entire Nigerians, would not have entrusted him with much leadership responsibilities every other dispensations,” he added.
