By Ayodele Oni
Glitz and emotions enveloped the hallowed Chamber of the House of Representatives on Wednesday at the Valedictory Session during which Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila officially dissolved the 9th Assembly.
With the dissolution, Gbajabiamila, who was last week appointed as Chief of Staff by President Bola Tinubu, is set to officially resume at his new duty post.
Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, the Majority Leader of the House, had moved a motion to commence the Valedictory Session, while Ndudi Elumelu, the Minority Leader seconded the motion.
Gbajabiamila, in his Valedictory speech, said: “I will miss all of you and miss this House. You you have enriched my life and I cannot express how much you have impacted the House.
In the emotion-laden speech, Gbajabiamila said the joint efforts in nation-building by members were to ensure that the dreams of the Nation’s founding fathers did not die.
“We have worked to take advantage of social and economic transformation that benefit us; we have left our mark on every sector of our national life.”
He said the House was able to introduce discipline on the Appropriation Act that now commenced from January to December of every year.
He emphasized that the 9th House of Representatives has ended and the 10th will commence.
“I urge you to ensure that you are not found wanting by man or God in the final judgment.”
Also, Rep. Julius Ihovbehre (APC-Edo), said he would forever cherish the friendship he made in the 9th Assembly, adding that such a relationship would last forever.
He commended the Speaker for leading the House well and perfectly and demonstrating that he could manage a diverse group of people.
“In your new roles as the Chief of Staff to the President, the challenges you will face are more than here, we plead with you not to abandon the spirit of excellence.”
Various speakers at the session could not hide their feelings as they lauded the leadership quality of the Speaker, urging him to display such in his new assignment.
In attendance at the Valedictory session of the 9th assembly were former Speakers and House Leaders – Ghali Na’abba, Patricia Etteh, Mulikat Akande and some former Clerks of NASS.
