September 6, 2024
As political and media attention in Nigeria intensifies following recent visits by the Chief of Staff (CoS) to President Bola Tinubu, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, there has been much debate on the nature of these visits, with some quarters erroneously framing them as attempts to perform oversight duties typically reserved for the National Assembly and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). However, as a former Chief of Staff, I must categorically clarify that these visits were in no way conducted as “oversight” visits, but rather as part of the core responsibilities of the Chief of Staff—acting as the operational nerve center of the presidency.
The Role of the Chief of Staff
Globally, the role of the Chief of Staff is both executive and managerial, tasked with overseeing the smooth operation of the executive office and providing strategic advice to the President. The CoS acts as a critical advisor and liaison between the President and the various departments, agencies, and individuals that fall under the executive purview.
As former U.S. President Barack Obama remarked, the Chief of Staff is akin to a “gatekeeper,” ensuring the President receives the best information and manages the day-to-day functions of the presidency.
In the case of Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, his visits were well within his remit as Chief of Staff. Gbajabiamila, a veteran of the Nigerian legislature with over two decades of experience, fully understands the clear distinction between the constitutional oversight functions of the National Assembly and the executive role of the Chief of Staff. As a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, his knowledge of the separation of powers is indisputable, and it is precisely this experience that informs his approach to governance.
Purpose of the Visits: Leadership, Assessment, and Coordination
The agencies visited by the Chief of Staff—such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and others—are directly under the purview of the presidency.
As Chief of Staff, Gbajabiamila’s aim was to assess the operational dynamics of these agencies, not as a parliamentarian performing oversight but as a senior executive tasked with ensuring that the President’s vision is being effectively implemented. These visits were designed to gather critical first-hand information about the leadership and staff of these agencies, their well-being, and their alignment with the priorities of the administration.
A relevant comparison can be drawn with global examples of Chief of Staffs who have undertaken similar duties. Rahm Emanuel, the first Chief of Staff to President Obama, was known for his hands-on approach, often visiting agencies and departments to ensure that presidential priorities were being executed efficiently.
Similarly, in France, the Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic is often tasked with liaising with government agencies to ensure coherence in policy implementation. Such functions, while managerial, are an essential part of ensuring the success of the presidency.
Distinguishing Oversight from Executive Functions
It is critical to delineate the role of the Chief of Staff from that of the National Assembly and the SGF. According to Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), oversight of government agencies is indeed the responsibility of the National Assembly, tasked with investigating the execution of laws and appropriations. The SGF also has an administrative role in coordinating ministries and agencies under the federal government.
However, the Chief of Staff, in his capacity as the most senior executive officer and chief advisor to the President, does not perform oversight in the legislative sense. His focus is on leadership coordination, strategic implementation and the welfare of staff under the Presidency’s umbrella.
By visiting these agencies, Gbajabiamila was not attempting to duplicate the legislative function of oversight but was instead ensuring that the executive arm—under President Tinubu’s leadership—was functioning optimally. His actions reflect a concern for governance excellence, ensuring that agency heads and their teams are aligned with the broader goals of the Tinubu administration.
Global Examples of Effective Chiefs of Staff
Across the world, the Chief of Staff is seen as the President’s closest and most trusted aide, often acting as an enforcer of the President’s agenda. For instance, Leon Panetta, who served as Chief of Staff to U.S. President Bill Clinton, was instrumental in coordinating between government departments to ensure efficiency in policy implementation. Panetta, like Gbajabiamila, did not overstep into legislative oversight; rather, his role was to ensure that the executive arm delivered on its promises to the public.
Similarly, in Israel, the Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister often plays a key role in government operations, ensuring that executive policies are implemented correctly across agencies. These global precedents further underscore that the role of the Chief of Staff is centered on executive coordination and leadership, not on legislative oversight.
Commitment to President Tinubu’s Vision
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila’s actions are ultimately rooted in his unwavering commitment to the success of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda. By visiting these agencies, he is ensuring that the President’s vision is translated into action, ensuring efficiency and the well-being of the staff who are critical to driving forward the administration’s goals. His efforts are aligned with his role as Chief of Staff, providing the President with direct insights and ensuring the executive machinery functions smoothly.
In conclusion, it is essential to understand that the recent visits by the Chief of Staff were not about overstepping boundaries or performing oversight but rather about fulfilling his critical executive functions. Gbajabiamila’s actions reflect a dedication to the smooth running of the presidency, ensuring that the administration’s priorities are carried out effectively and that agencies under the presidency operate in sync with the vision of President Tinubu. As a senior executive within the presidency, his actions are entirely in keeping with the global role of a Chief of Staff—executive, not legislative.
Henry Balogun
HB Report
