While Presidential elections occur only once every four years, with the amount of news coverage and media, it can seem a lot more often. It is easy to become desensitized to the people, the issues, and the noise.
But now is the time to pay attention — the people who are elected to the House of Representatives, Senate, and State House of Assembly. You’ll agree with me that, we miss a huge opportunity in 2015 by not doing a thorough examination of those we sent to the hollow chambers as we are all much fixated on anyone other than Goodluck Jonathan.
What do we get in return? Budget padders, drug baron, snoring fat beauties, sponsor of armed robbers, tree climbers, saboteur, cognac drinkers. These are the personalities we elected/selected into the National Assembly.
By the time the Saraki led National Assembly eventually returns on October 9, and the legislators work every day till the last day of 2018, they would have worked 3 months and 18 days, cumulatively for the whole year. See the reason why it is no brainer leaving the most democratic institution in the hand of a charlatan.
As 2019 general election is fast approaching, I think it behooves on every sound and sundry members of IFEDAPO Federal Constituency in our choice for who will represent us in the forthcoming elections.
In other not to fall to 2015 mistake, due diligence needs and should be our guiding manual in choosing who will represent — Saki West, Saki East, and ATISBO — us at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.
I’ve had the chance to glean certain information on the three candidates so far. Having looked closely at them, one candidate stands out in the person of Rt. Hon. Musah AbdulWasi of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
It is pertinent to move beyond talking about the candidate Musah as someone you like or dislike, it is about talking about the actions he will take as elected representative of Saki West, Saki East, and ATISBO Federal Constituency and how this actions will affect the constituency positively.
One will be curious to ask what inform my decision about the choice of the candidate of Rt. Musah AbdulWasi. Very simple. His antecedent and his outstanding performance at the Oyo State House of Assembly as Deputy Speaker and been well versed in the pros and cons of law as a Lawyer of International repute.
It is on record as the 8th Oyo State House of Assembly is winding down that he outshone his peers in the area of impactful bills he sponsors and numerous motions he raised on the floor of the house. He did not let the attack of what economist called “unseen hand” distract his legislative duties to his constituency and the state at large. Amongst his peer, he’s considered to be primus inter pares.
As we all know that the role of representation is vital and it serves as the link between the government and the governed, the elected and the electorate, the rulers and the ruled.
Also, the effectiveness of any parliament is measured by the quality of laws enacted and the oversight techniques which includes — public hearing to evaluate agency budget request, audits of agency finance, and investigation of the executive agency personnel.
A thorough examination look at the available record on the number of Bills passed since the inauguration of the 8th National Assembly shows us that they passed 213 Bills and for someone that represents our constituency — Saki West, Saki East, and ATISBO can only boast of 3 Bills to his name, the recent been HB 1381 Nigerian Cashew Crop Promotional Agency Bill, 2018. The political climate suggests it is highly impossible that this bill will get passed before the dissolution of the House. Believe me, this isn’t quality and effective representative we yearn for!
In the light of the above picture, I’m in no doubt that having Rt. Hon. Musah AbdulWasi as our representative at the Green Chamber will undoubtedly transform our constituency positively in terms of bills and the bi-partisan coalition he will build towards the development of our area.
While it is not the role of the legislature to build hospitals, schools, it even roads, but the kind of laws that they make can enable the quick and efficient delivery of those essential services. Rt. Hon. Musah AbdulWasi is equipped for this.
As for me and my immediate family, our choice is none other than Musah AbdulWasi. So, I enjoin you, don’t let this great opportunity pass you by in electing an effective, an efficient, capable, resourceful, and energetic man to represent us at the green chamber.
Seun Fabunmi is for inclusive political and economic institutions; the ingredients of prosperity of a nation.
He writes from Saki West LG
