In a significant development for Nigerian representation in African legislative affairs, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been elected to the Advisory Committee of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL). Additionally, Dapo Oyewole, the Senior Special Assistant on International Cooperation to President Tinubu, has been appointed as the Secretary-General of CoSPAL.
The elections occurred during the 2nd General Assembly meeting of CoSPAL held in Accra, Ghana, where Ghana’s Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Bagbin, was re-elected as Chairman. The assembly brought together over 100 participants, including legislative leaders from various African nations, underscoring CoSPAL’s mission to enhance legislative collaboration across the continent.
Representing Nigeria’s Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu advocated for Nigeria to secure two of the five positions allocated to West Africa within CoSPAL. Kalu also proposed constitutional amendments aimed at improving the efficiency of the Secretariat, including suggestions for a periodic performance review, an appeals process, and clearer rules regarding membership termination.
These recommendations were accepted by the General Assembly, showcasing CoSPAL’s dedication to promoting transparent governance and accountability. The newly elected officials are set to be inaugurated on Sunday, marking a new chapter for Nigeria’s involvement in African legislative matters.