Femi Gbajabiamila, 9th Speaker of the House of Representatives, has bowed out of the lower chamber of the National Assembly.
Gbajabiamila, who was first elected in 2003, won a sixth term but would not be inaugurated in the 10th assembly as he has been appointed Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.
Gbajabiamila, in his valedictory speech on Wednesday, said, “I will miss all of you and miss this house, you have enriched my life and I cannot express how much you have impacted the house.”
He also said, ”As we bring this 9th House of Representatives to a close, I am proud to say that by our joint effort at nation-building, we have ensured that the cause of Nigeria will long endure and the dreams of our nation’s founding fathers will not die.
“We came, we saw, and while there is much yet to conquer, we have done our duty to God and country.
“I came to this honourable House 20 years ago, filled with hope for our nation’s future. I leave this office today with hope unbroken, and my enthusiasm to serve remains undiminished.
“I am more confident that our best days are ahead and that we can build a future where our nation is a beacon of excellence, a refuge and a place of pride for all who salute our flag and swear allegiance to our constitution.”
According to him, the 9th House of Reps 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,” he added.
.Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, the Majority Leader of the House, had moved a motion to commence the valedictory session, while Rep Ndudi Elumelu, the Minority Leader seconded the motion.
Also, Julius Ihovhre (APC-Edo), said he would forever cherish the friendship he made in the 9th assembly, adding that such a relationship would last forever.