Kunle ADELABU
-Promises to take stability, legislative excellence to Upper Chamber
A major power broker in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and four term lawmaker in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sikiru Adebayo Osinowo, has declared to contest for the Lagos East Senatorial seat at the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The popular politician made the declaration amidst tons of endorsements and reaffirmations by key stakeholders within the ruling party at the Centre for Management and Development (CMD), Shangisha, Lagos on Thursday, September 13, 2018.
The motion for the adoption of Hon. Osinowo by the members of the Lagos State House as the Lagos East Senatorial candidate of APC was moved by Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, the Majority Leader of the Assembly and was supported by all other members of the house.
Thereafter, the aspirant was adopted by the 16 APC Chairmen and members of the Federal House of Representatives, Council Chairmen, royal fathers and Council Vice Chairmen in the senatorial district.
In his address at the event, Hon. Osinowo disclosed that his decision to offer himself for service at higher level is borne out of his zeal for legislative work and advancement of his people in the senatorial district.
“Since 2003, our people in Kosofe Constituency I have continually reposed their trust in me by giving me their mandate to represent them at the Lagos State House of Assembly.
“Although, the road has been rough and tough, but with all sense of modesty, I believe that the level of our success in the State Assembly has given birth to today’s event. The decision to officially offer my humble self to represent the good people of Lagos East Senatorial District in the Upper Legislative Chamber was borne out of legislative zeal.
He added that his aspiration to go to the Senate has the blessings of the party leadership.
“Luckily, my aspiration has the blessings of leaders of our great party, All Progressives Congress (APC), in this senatorial district.
“The assignment to represent this senatorial district is a challenge and onerous task. Notwithstanding, it is a call for higher service. No doubt, with the support of Almighty Allah and you all here, we shall excel.”
He described himself as a stabilizing factor in the State Assembly and pledged to take legislative excellence and the principles of stability enjoyed in the Lagos Assembly to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Based on what the people are saying in the State House of Assembly, I have been known to be a peacemaker and with the support of my colleagues in the House, we have made the Lagos State House of Assembly the most peaceful in the country.
“So, I am taking the message of political peace and love to the Upper Chamber.
“Permit me to say, with all humility, that with my sixteen years of experience in the State Assembly, I have acquired enough legislative experience to propel me for greater achievement in the Red Chamber.”
Hon. Osinowo also stated that his active involvement in the senatorial politics has also made him to know the needs of his people which he promised to make a priority as their senator.
“I have also been actively involved in the political activities of the East Senatorial District for over two decades. I know where the shoe pinches. Your welfare and improved standard of living remain my priority and I’m assuring you that I shall remain totally committed to all my promises”, he pledged.
“My human and community development programmes did not start today and Insha Allah, it will continue to grow. My legislative commitments in the Red Chamber will not put a stop to the existing programmes in the district, rather, it will continue to expand.”
Primate Charles Odugbesi, the Director-General of the Hon. Bayo Sikiru Osinowo Campaign Organization, in his opening remarks, described the aspirant as a sellable product.
“We are gathered here today to present to you Hon. Osinowo. He is a sellable product which we are here today to launch.
“I thank God for all of you here today because when you look back in some few years time on the decision that you have taken to support Osinowo, you would count yourself lucky to have taken the decision.
“Today is an epoch making and memorable occasion and I thank you all for coming”.
Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, in his own remarks, described the Hon. Osinowo as a colleague and a leader in the State House of Assembly.
His words, “Hon. Osinowo’s aspiration is in the interest of the people of Lagos East Senatorial District. I am bold to say this any day, any time and anywhere. We have been together in the Lagos State House of Assembly for 16 consecutive years and nobody has been able to match his contributions.
“His contributions to the growth of the Lagos State House of Assembly are unmatched. Today, Lagos State House of Assembly is adjudged as the best in the country and whatever achievements we have made, the feat is made possible because of the contributions of Hon. Sikiru Osinowo.
“We can see you as a legislator and our colleague, but we are all aware that you are our leader in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
“The stability that we are enjoying today in the Lagos State House of Assembly was made possible by Hon. Bayo Osinowo”, the Speaker stated.
Also, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, APC State Vice Chairman, Lagos East Senatorial District, while speaking at the declaration event, pleaded with all the aspirants to approach the coming primary elections as sportsmen and accept the decision of the party thereafter.
“I want to plead with Hon. Osinowo and other aspirants to go into the contest as sportsmen and be prepared to accept the outcome of the primary elections.
“You all must be prepared to work for the success of the party and its candidates after the primary”, Asipa Kaoli pleaded.
Also speaking, Alhaji Bode Oyedele described Hon. Osinowo as a trustworthy, capable and worthy ambassador that the party can rely on.
He stated that it was the elders of the party that beckoned on him to move to the Upper Chamber and not his own desire.
“He is capable of representing us very well at the Senate and we are here to identify with him”, Alhaji Oyedele stated.
A former Commissioner in Lagos State, Chief Tola Kasali, while also speaking stated: “We are here to market a good product that has already sold himsef. He is capable and that is why we are all here to support his aspiration. We are giving his aspiration full support.
Another leader of APC in the district, Alhaji Banire, described the massive support being enjoyed by the aspirant as a result of his commitment to the party’s development.
