By Thomas Abi Jr |30 July 2015 |5:19am
I am yet to find words to express the overwhelming satisfaction I had on the 11th June, 2015, when Barr. John Gaul Lebo emerged as speaker. When Barr. John Gaul emerged as Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly I knew the 8th Assembly was getting it right. I felt very happy because he is a very intelligent, sound, informed, idealistic and knowledgeable young man who knows the business of legislation.
Barr Lebo, hails from Ibalebo Village, Adadama, Abi Local Government Area. He is a graduate of Law and a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He was called to Bar in 1998.
He is a young man who is highly intellectual. He is a fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Corporate Administration, Fellow Chartered Institute of Management and a Chartered Arbitrator.
Barr Lebo on assumption into Office as Speaker of the 8th Assembly came on board with his legislative direction which he tagged the" Gaul Agenda". The agenda was a well thought out one, it gave insight of where he intends to take the House under his watch. Looking at the agenda, members of the House applauded him for coming out with a direction which covers all the problems of the Cross River People, from Agriculture to Health, Youth Empowerment, Sports, Education.
Mr. Lebo's agenda also looks at the area of ICT, which he intends to run a House that is technologically savvy. A House that is open to the general public. Many persons have commended the open manner in which he has piloted the affairs of the House. Journalist in the State can attest to the fact that the House is very open and a regular press briefing is conducted every Thursday by the Chairman House Committee on Information, Hon Nelson Ofem, briefing the Cross River People on the developments in the House as there unfold.
There are a so many attributes which endears the Speaker to many. Meeting him, you see a man who has a lot of exposure and a sound academic background. His approach to the legislative business is one that must be applauded. During seatings, his response to issues is very constructive and very commendable. Listening to Barr Gaul, during plenaries, you see a man who is a reservoir of knowledge. His articulation and vibrancy speaks volume for him. His idealistic nature is an added advantage to him. The way and manner he carries members along during plenaries is what I will describe as superb. And if I am to give him a name I will call him the " MAVERICK GAUL" because of his learned nature.
Looking at how he took out time to select members of the House committee is one that he should be given kudos. He took out time to appoint Chairmen and members of Committees as it applies to their field and area of specialization. Many persons and members of the public have described the one month of Mr. Gaul's leadership as very wonderful due to his intellectualism and knowledgeism.
There is a strong saying that Leadership promotes team work. A Leader's vision can not be accomplished with an individualist attitude. No great work was done by just one person. Mr. Gaul has displayed in recent time that he can not move the House alone with an individualistic approach. Rather he chooses to move along with everybody in the House in order for the People of the State to experience true legislation which they were voted for by the People of the State.
True Leaders set standards for others to follow. Within the last one month of Mr. Gaul's leadership, he has set a standard for the House to follow. Members have keyed into his vision. Because true Leaders are people driven by vision and passion. Leadership is the capacity to influence others through inspiration, generated by passion, motivated by inspiration, birthed from conviction, produced by a purpose. He has proven to be a Leader worthy of emulation in the last one month of the House's Leadership under his watch.
Meeting Mr. Gaul, his accommodating nature is one that compels me to give credit to his Father in the Lord, Dr. Paul Enenche of Dunamis Gospel International. He has followed him with so much diligence and the teachings of the scriptures as taught by the greatest teacher, Jesus Christ.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo said, "God is on your side, and if God is with us then we have nothing whatsoever in this world to fear". The emergence of Barr John Gaul Lebo as Speaker is a clear manifestation of God's work.
Prince Thomas Abi Jr.
Is a Public Affairs Analyst /Social Commentator
