Nothing can prepare you for the role of Chief of Staff, you’d lose your freedom–Femi Gbajabiamila
According to this day live, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, recently spoke about the challenges and demands of his current role. At a conversation, book reading, and signing event at the Capital Club in Victoria Island, he revealed that working closely with President Tinubu has been an incredibly demanding experience. Gbajabiamila described it as the most difficult job he has ever undertaken, mainly due to the president’s strong personality and deep understanding of his responsibilities. The Chief of Staff highlighted that President Tinubu’s work ethic and sharp grasp of issues have made the job even more challenging, with the expectation to meet high standards every day.
Gbajabiamila, who served as the speaker of the House of Representatives before his current position, also reflected on his political journey. He revisited the 2023 speakership election and explained his decision to support Hon. Tajudeen Abbas as his successor. He stated that, under the given circumstances, Abbas was the most suitable candidate for the role. This insight into the dynamics of the election gave attendees a glimpse into the strategic decisions that shape leadership within the country’s legislative framework. His support for Abbas underscored his commitment to ensuring that the House of Representatives was led by someone capable of navigating the complexities of Nigerian politics.
During the event, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas also took a moment to acknowledge the leadership qualities of his predecessor. In his speech, Abbas emphasized that Gbajabiamila, unlike many others in the political sphere, never tried to leverage his influence or weight after stepping down as speaker. Despite his pivotal role in Abbas's election, Gbajabiamila refrained from exerting any undue pressure or seeking personal gain. This respect for the integrity of the legislative process further solidified his reputation as a leader who valued collective progress over personal power.
Shifting focus back to his role as Chief of Staff, Gbajabiamila openly discussed the personal toll the position has taken on him. He revealed that the role requires sacrifices, especially when it comes to personal freedom. Being the Chief of Staff means operating in a constant state of readiness, where decisions have to be made quickly and effectively. According to Gbajabiamila, the role is one that demands total commitment, with little room for personal time or privacy. The weight of this responsibility has made him realize just how much is at stake in the day-to-day workings of the presidential office.
The former speaker also touched on the changing nature of leadership in Nigeria and the importance of adapting to new challenges. He spoke of the complexities of governance and the high expectations placed on public officials. As Chief of Staff, Gbajabiamila’s job entails not just facilitating the president’s agenda but also managing the coordination between various arms of government, ensuring smooth communication, and addressing the many issues that arise on a daily basis. The demanding nature of the position has shown him the depth of the country’s governance challenges and the need for constant vigilance and resilience in leadership.
Gbajabiamila’s reflections on the nature of the job and his political career were part of a broader conversation on leadership and service to the nation. His experience in both the legislative and executive branches has given him a unique perspective on how the Nigerian government operates and the intricacies involved in leadership. Despite the challenges, Gbajabiamila’s dedication to his duties and his commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s administration have remained clear.
Gbajabiamila said, “Nothing in this world can prepare you for the role of Chief of Staff, First, you’d lose your freedom.
