Abbas Tajudeen, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has dropped Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart as his chief of staff.
Olanrewaju-Smart was the chief of staff to former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila.
He occupied the role of the engine room of Tajudeen’s office in acting capacity, but he was never confirmed.
The Speaker has now approved the appointment of Jake Dan-Azumi, a professor, as his chief of staff.
The Speaker made the announcement in a press statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, on Monday.
According to the statement, Mr Olanrewaju-Smart is taking another appointment, which wasn’t specified.
Part of the statement read:
“Until his appointment, Prof. Dan-Azumi was the Technical Assistant to the Director General, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), National Assembly.
“Jake Dan-Azumi is a professor of Political Science and Development Studies. He has extensive experience in development work focusing on democratic governance and public policy, parliamentary institutional strengthening, research, peace and security, human rights, conflict and peacebuilding and gender.
“He previously worked as a Special Assistant to the President of the Senate, Sen. (Dr.) David Mark, GCON, between 2011 and 2014.
“Prof. Dan-Azumi, who has over 14 years cumulative experience in the National Assembly system, is an expert in the design and delivery of parliamentary and democratic support programmes.
“He holds a Doctorate Degree in International Development from University College London (UCL); MSc International Human Rights Law from Oxford University; a BA (First Class) from the University of South Africa, and a BA (First Class, Honours) from the University of Zimbabwe, where he was awarded the Book Prize for the Best Student.
“His other qualifications include a Postgraduate Diploma in Research Methods from the University of Bradford, UK, among others. Prof. Dan-Azumi hails from Zing Local Government Area of Taraba state.”
