The Villa’s Chief of Staff

Is it reasonable to aspire to the career path of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila? Shola Oyeyipo suggests it’s worth considering his current role first.

The position of Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria has recently taken on a significant stature, one that many now recognize as pivotal, resonating with the authority of the president himself. This transformation has evolved over recent years, shifting from a position often shrouded in the shadows of bureaucracy to one that attracts considerable ambition and attention.

While it’s not a constitutional role, the responsibilities of the Chief of Staff are largely defined by the president, encompassing direct oversight of their activities, personal staff, and security. Since 1999, when former President Olusegun Obasanjo adopted this role inspired by the U.S. model, Aso Rock Villa has seen various individuals serve as chief of staff, each leaving their unique imprint on the office.

From General Abdullahi Mohammed under Obasanjo to Gbolade Osinowo under Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and Mike Oghiadomhe and Jones Arogbofa under Goodluck Jonathan, leading to Abba Kyari and Ibrahim Gambari under Muhammadu Buhari, the position has been significantly shaped by the personalities of those appointed. Unfortunately, aside from the late Abba Kyari, who was criticized for perceived excessive power during Buhari’s administration, few have faced the level of scrutiny and intrigue directed at Gbajabiamila.

Today, Gbajabiamila stands as one of Nigeria’s most recognized figures, regardless of his official role. Strangely, this notoriety stems not from a failure in his duties, but rather from the envy attached to his position—one that many desire.

This dynamic may also contribute to the recent interpretations of seemingly straightforward statements from the presidency regarding a potential cabinet reshuffle, which have stirred controversy. Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, addressed media personnel in Abuja, indicating that President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet reshuffle would be informed by public opinions grounded in empirical evidence.

Onanuga clarified that there was no set timeline for the reshuffle, which followed the cabinet’s inauguration in August 2023. “The president has expressed his desire to reshuffle his cabinet, and he will do it,” he assured reporters, although he couldn’t specify whether it would happen before October 1.

O’tega Ogra, another Senior Special Assistant, explained further that the president’s decisions would rely on performance indicators, overseen by Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser on Policy Coordination and head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit. The president also instructed his ministers to promote their ministry’s successes more effectively, countering the prevailing narrative that the government is not doing enough.

Interestingly, nothing in these statements implied an imminent dismissal of any appointees. The emphasis was on “reshuffle” rather than “shake-up,” suggesting a mere reorganization rather than a complete upheaval.

However, some reports suggested that Gbajabiamila might be among those earmarked for removal, a claim that further illuminates what seems to be a campaign against him since assuming his role.

The responsibilities of a Chief of Staff can vary significantly between administrations. While this role has its discretions, it fundamentally derives authority from the president’s trust. Gbajabiamila appears to have secured this trust, as evidenced when President Tinubu publicly defended him against the swirling rumors during an October 2023 Federal Executive Council meeting.

“Let me reiterate that a lot of stories are going around about what is happening. I’ve told everyone that I can make mistakes,” Tinubu stated. “I have confidence in the integrity of my chief of staff. All campaigns of calumny and insinuations should stop.”

This defense from the president serves to alleviate the internal strife aimed at undermining Gbajabiamila and should remind us that the Chief of Staff’s position, while powerful, is not elected. The relentless ambition to acquire this role, often fueled by a lack of ethical consideration, has reached concerning levels, complicating effective governance.

It is peculiar that a Chief of Staff is tasked with numerous responsibilities yet simultaneously appears to have none of their own. This intricate balancing act often breeds more adversaries than allies. The trend among state governors of sidelining their Chief of Staff in favor of deputies raises questions about the necessity and power attributed to this role.

This notion leads to the disconcerting belief among some political figures that the Chief of Staff bears responsibility for broader issues like the economy and living costs, despite their limited scope of authority. The narrative that the Chief of Staff serves as a shadow president could lead to unnecessary tensions within the administration, especially if trust and communication falter.

For Gbajabiamila, the past 17 months have likely felt prolonged amidst allegations and political maneuvering. The pressure of such attacks could understandably impact one’s mental health, especially for a public figure with family. However, he maintains an aura of calm, as his fate ultimately lies in the hands of a president who has voiced his support.

Nonetheless, it’s important to recognize that efforts to undermine him may not cease, indicating the relentless nature of political power struggles. Until President Tinubu makes decisions regarding his appointees, including those rumored for reshuffle, the political players on the sidelines seeking to influence outcomes should at least allow Gbajabiamila some breathing room.