April 28, 2015

Dear Incoming Honorable Member:

LETTER OF INTENT

Congratulations and welcome to the 8th National Assembly!

I humbly put myself forward as your candidate for the Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives. I have been in the House for 12 years now, and 8 of those years as the Minority Leader, doing my best with the support of other members of the House to build a vibrant and accountable legislature and legislative process, sometimes at the risk of life.

Having worked with 4 Speakers and as I prepare for my fourth term, I will be one of the few members with the longest service in the House. I encourage you to see me as a steadying hand, a custodian of institutional history and a strong bridge builder between the House and the Executive.

As we usher in a new era in Nigerian politics, [an era of accountable governance], it is my hope that with my vast experience in the House you will consider me worthy to serve as your Speaker. I have always put the interest of Nigeria in the forefront, leading the fight in the House against the 2007 3rd term agenda and filed several law suits challenging e.g. the Executive on appropriation without the approval of the National Assembly and most recently, the unconstitutional deployment of the Nigerian military during elections.

My pedigree, as a lawyer in two jurisdictions and over 30 years in legal practice, as well as my extensive network will be put to good use in ensuring we can keep our place in the hearts of Nigerians as the ‘People’s House’. My focus would be a conscious rebranding of the House as the symbol of our democracy.

As Speaker, I promise that I, with you as colleagues and partners, will maintain and strengthen the trust between the people and the House. Just as I have always tried to reflect the wishes and aspirations of my constituents, I intend to work tirelessly to ensure a House where your wellbeing will be priority and where your capacity to meet the aspirations of all your constituents will be strengthened.

As my brothers and sisters, I cannot do this without your full support and hope that you will put aside all sentiments, examine my track record, my length of service in the House and rest on the understanding that your interest and our nation’s interest will be my focus. God bless you.

Sincerely,
Femi Gbajabiamila