Ikorodu Stands Still For Agunbiade As Lawmaker Hosts Constituents

By Wale Abideen/LAGOS/ “SOB? Again and again and again…”, seems to be the most popular electioneering slogan in the metropolitan city of Ikorodu as residents of the area troop out en mass to rub minds with their representative and Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. SOB Agunbiade in an annual program tagged: Constituency Stakeholders Meeting held at Ai Royal Hall in Ikorodu last Thursday. The residents score Agunbiade high and endorsed him for another.

Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi led dignitaries of other traditional leaders to the event which looks like the largest political gathering in Ikorodu in recent times as representatives of all Community Development Associations, CDA, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Islamic groups, Igbo groups, Hausa Community groups as well as head of security agencies situated in Ikorodu area were all in attendance. Councilors from Ikorodu Central LGA, Ikorodu North LCDA and Ikorodu West LCDA as well as numerous LGA and Ward party executives alongside lots of party faithful were also present at the event to show support for Agunbiade.

In his royal remarks, Oba Shotobi urges all residents of Ikorodu to obtain their voters cards, calling on his subjects to shun violence. He however submitted by praising the representative of Ikorodu Constituency 1.

The permanent Vice Chairman Lagos State Council of Traditional leaders, (Engineer) Oba Shotobi exalted the virtues of the Majority leader and asked the people if they are tired of his representation, to which the crowded answered with a thunderous “NO”. The monarch then urged the people to vote for him again if they want him to continue his good works as their state legislator beyond 2019.

“For us in Ikorodu, we have a representative that is doing very well and can still do even more if we allow him to. I am pleased with Agunbiade’s performance and I am happy he still wants to serve us further.

SOB Agunbiade in his speech said it is important for elected public office holders to constantly discuss with the people through feedback channels like the stakeholders meetings.

He rendered a very comprehensive stewardship account that saw the people clapping and praying for him all the way.

Community leaders including Communiyy Development Councils’ Chairmen, Iya Olojas (Market leaders) led by Alh. Taofeekat Allinson, party members and youth leaders, among others, we’re also on hand to be part of the occasion. The very large hall was filled to the brim with hundreds of people standing outside for lack of space.

The Majority Leaders appreciates the royal fathers, political leaders and his entire constituents for their unrelenting support over the years. He thanks the people of Ikorodu for always showing interest in the business of governance. He noted that their keen interest at all times have helped him to perform better as their representative.

According to him, the theme, “Towards a Peaceful Credible Election” reflects the commitment of the Lagos State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa to accountability and quality representation, which can only come from credible and peaceful elections.

He added that the meeting is also to get people’s opinion and suggestions on the ongoing INEC registration exercises and collection of PVCs across the state, especially in places like Ikorodu division.

“Let me say here that since the last Stakeholders’ Meeting in year 2017, we have continued to improve on our law making drive and process by reviewing and amending the old legislations and initiating new ones where necessary, to meet current needs.

“To date, we have considered forty-one (41) bills and passed thirty (30) into Law which are effectively addressing various challenges and developmental activities in the state. The bills so far passed into Law since the last Stakeholders’ meeting are:

“Lagos State Cancer Research Institute of Law, 2017;

Lagos State College of Nursing (Schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Public Health Nursing) Law, 2017;

Yoruba Language Promotion and Preservation Law, 2017;

Lagos State Cooperative College Law, 2017;

Lagos State Customary Court (Amendment) Law, 2017;

Lagos State Electric Sector Reform Law, 2018;

Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018;

Lagos State Teaching Service Commission Law, 2018;

Lagos State Awards Scheme Law, 2018; and

Lagos State Pension Reform (Amendment) Law, 2018.

“Some other bills are at different stages of legislative process. Through these laws, we have been able to demonstrate the commitment of this House of Assembly to the improvement of lives of the people and protection of properties in the State. The evident impacts of these are the on-going construction, rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads and other infrastructure across the State namely; the Ikeja and TBS BRT Bus Terminals, pedestrian bridges; disbursement of reasonable funds for youth empowerment by the Lagos State Employment trust fund, equipping of the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps with operational vehicles; completion of Ayinke House at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja and other on-going projects across the State.

“The laws, coupled with our vibrant representation, have continued to inspire other governments across the Federation and beyond. For these, the House of Assembly and Members have received several awards in recent times. Indeed, the Rt. Hon. Speaker in addition to having received numerous international awards was elected as the chairman of the conference of Speakers of Nigerian Legislatures in recognition of our deep democratic achievements. We are committed to sustaining the House as being above common standards of excellence.

“It is also worthy to mention that the House issued various Resolutions and attended to petitions geared towards ensuring good Governance and peaceful coexistence among the citizens,” the Majority Leader explained.

Speaking further, he cited the cordial and progressive working relationship between the legislative and executive arms of government, as well as the commitment of the All Progressive Congress Party (APC) in the state as major reasons for the progress made in Lagos.

He also pointed out the importance and contributions of the cooperation and support of the people of the state, saying when the people support the government, the people in charge are more relaxed and encouraged to do more.

“We urge religious leaders and parents to contribute to the success of the elections by preaching against violence in any form, before, during and after the elections. Community leaders are hereby enjoined to embolden our people to always take advantage of their constitutional right to vote as contained in Section 77 (2), 132 (5) and 178 (5) of the 1999 constitution (as amended). It is the responsibility of every member of a community to encourage eligible members of their various communities to collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and mobilize others to participate in the coming general elections,” Agunbiade said.

Agunbiade and INEC boss in the division took time out to answer questions from members of the constituency. The duo urged the people to come out and register as voters and also collect their PVCs in good time.

A cross section of the residents who spoke to SECURITY MONITOR showered encomium on Agunbiade, noting that “he is a brilliant legislator”. Omonla Waliu Daisi, said Ikorodu is blessed to have Agunbiade as their representative at a time like this. He recalled the many good feats of the lawmaker and urged the people to return him once again.

Dignitaries at the event includes HRM Oba Aremu Shotonwa, Sekumade of Ipakodo, Chairman and Members of the Council of Baales in the division, Chairman and members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Chairman and members of the League of Journalists, Ikorodu as well as leaders and members of numerous other trade and artisan unions in the constituency also graced the occasion.

Others includes Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, APC East Senatorial Vice Chairman, Primate Charles Odugbesi, Hon Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba, Vice Chairman, Ikorodu LG, Alhaji Taiwo Longe, APC Chairman, Alhaji R I Jinadu, Hon. Kunle Ogunbela and Ogunmosuwie Sanni, INEC Boss Ikorodu.