Niyi Akande
There were indications that the immediate past governor of Osun State, Mr Gboyega Oyetola and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, will be battling it out for the position of Chief of Staff in the incoming Federal administration.
The two loyalists of the president-elect, BolaTinubu are the leading candidates for the position of Chief of Staff, Osun Daily gathered.
The camps of the three political figures have been lobbying and stating their cases on why their principals should be the ones to occupy the office.
Gbajabiamila has been named as the most likely person to fill the position due to his activities since Tinubu won the election but recent developments had changed things, the medium learnt.
It was, however, gathered that the president-elect has not disclosed his preferred candidate with his concentration centred on the May 29 inauguration and the incoming leadership of the National Assembly.
Speaking with the medium, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Boluwaduro who does not want his name in print confirmed that Oyetola is being considered for the position.
He also confirmed the consideration of Gbajabiamila for the position.
According to the APC leader, efforts were in place to ensure the emergence of the Iragbiji-born politician, adding that his emergence will affect the party at the state level positively.
According to him, the party, having lost the state to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party has a lot to gain if Oyetola is appointed Chief of Staff, noting that it takes a lot to keep the party and its members going.
“It is true that Oyetola is being considered for the Chief of Staff position and we are doing our best to make sure he gets it.
“Hon Femi Gbajabiamila is a strong candidate too and I know people are already saying he is the next Chief of Staff but nothing has been sealed yet.
“You will agree with me that he deserved it and he has the experience to occupy the position and I’m positive that the position is ours in Osun State.
“Osun APC needs that position to galvanise its members and keep the party running.”
When asked about the possibility of Osun State having more than one minister, the APC chieftain said it is being murmured, adding that it will be the joy of every member of the party if they have two members as ministers.
