Nigeria's House minority caucus sets Gbajabiamila's legacy as benchmark for opposition

Nigeria's House of Representatives Minority Caucus, under its new Deputy Minority Leader Abdussamad Dasuki, has pledged to provide principled and effective opposition. Dasuki stated in Sokoto that the caucus will not oppose government policies for political reasons alone, emphasizing constructive engagement, good governance, and accountability.

Dasuki declared that the caucus will model its operations after the leadership of Femi Gbajabiamila, whose 2011-2015 tenure is considered a benchmark for effective opposition politics in Nigeria. He described Gbajabiamila's record as the minimum standard, highlighting how a strong opposition can hold government accountable while contributing to national development.

“

Our responsibility is not opposition for opposition’s sake. We will pursue constructive engagement, promote good governance, strengthen accountability and support laws and policies that improve the lives of Nigerians.

Beyond legislative oversight, Dasuki addressed security concerns, calling for enhanced collaboration among Northern governors to combat banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism, which he noted have outgrown state boundaries. He also urged federal and state governments to deepen security cooperation with neighboring countries like Niger to curb cross-border insurgency.

Regarding the minimum wage debate, Dasuki asserted that state governments possess the financial capacity to pay workers significantly more than the current minimum wage. He argued that governors do not require federal approval for salary increases, citing increased revenue allocations from economic reforms that position many states to afford a minimum wage of N100,000 or higher.

“

A vibrant and responsible opposition is indispensable to democracy. The standard set by Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila remains a reference point for effective legislative oversight and people-centred representation.