Kunle ADELABU
The Senator representing the Lagos East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Sen. Oluggbega Bareehu Ashafa, has challenged the All Progressives Congress (APC) delegates to consider the track records of each of the aspirants when picking who to represent them at the Upper Chamber in the forthcoming primary election of the party.
The two term senator made the call at a press conference to brief constituents of Lagos East on his achievements and his aspiration towards the 2019 General Elections held at the Mercy hall along Centre for Management Development (CMD), Kosofe, Lagos, on Monday, September 24,2018.
In his address, Ashafa appealed to party members to consider his track records of performance with proof and not gamble their chances.
“I say to you today that the choice before us in 2019 is a choice between consolidating on the legacy of qualitative and excellent representation with proof or taking a blind gamble on a path with no proven reward.
“The track record of each and every one in the race for the Lagos East Senatorial District Senatorial Ticket is right before you. It is, therefore, only wise that our choice is made based on the strength of character, track record of service, competence and trust.
He restated his promise to the people that he would continue his quality representation.
“I made a commitment to you then and indeed in 2015 when on the strength of your votes, I returned to the National Assembly to continue the assignment. My commitment to you has remained that I would continue to provide qualitative representation to every single constituent of our district.
“This entails that I ensure that every thing that accrues to our senatorial district and indeed our state from the center is attracted and delivered to our people. This also entails that I carry myself in a way and manner befitting of the legacy of brilliance, good character, good conscience and personal leadership that have become characteristic of the Senators from our District since the inception of the 4th Republic in 1999.
He added that the only way to continue the legacy of legislative excellence set by Senators Adeseye Ogunlewe and Olorunnimbe Mamora is to allow him to continue representing the District at the upper chamber.
“You would agree with me that our district currently stands tall on the legislative precedents that have been laid down by the succession of Senators that have represented us since 1999.
“My distinguished predecessors, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, my immediate past predecessor and brother whom I fondly refer to as my teacher, the most Distinguished Senator Olorunimbe Mamora, and my humble self.
“It is a legacy of excellence which the Eastern District of Lagos has worked hard to maintain and improve upon. Nothing short of excellence is expected and nothing short of excellence is deserved by the resilient, industrious and hardworking people of Lagos East. It is a privilege to stand on this legacy as I address you today”.
Rolling out his scorecard in the past seven years, Sen Ashafa stated that he has moved 26 Bills and 12 Motions of local and international importance.
He also added that he has executed 96 projects across the senatorial district that are verifiable as well as many other schemes.
“In the past 7 years, through your support, I have been able to deliver 96 verifiable and functional projects, 26 Bills, and 12 Motions of Local and National importance.
“Together, we have been able to deliver poverty alleviation programs that have benefitted over 50, 000 of our constituents directly and through them even more.
“Together, we have constructed and rehabilitated schools across our Senatorial District, we have provided ambulances for some hospitals and embarked on various free healthcare initiatives for our people. Together, we have instituted a back to school program that annually benefits our children in public schools across all the Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas of the greater Lagos East. Together, we have made haste calmly to deliver portable water projects as well as rural electrification projects to improve the living conditions of our people in the township and suburbs as well”.
He added that his contributions on the floor of the senate has also ensure that the state interest is always protected especially when the request of loan for projects are presented.
“Our dear state has never missed an opportunity for international funding and support because, together with my colleagues, we have ensured that the Lagos State Government secures the approval of the Nigerian Senate for every such intervention. The Lagos State Development Policy Operation from the World Bank in the sum of 200 Million Dollars is an example.
“In my capacity as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Land Transport, I have solidly stood in support of the rail revitalization work of this administration ably led by President Muhamadu Buhari, GCFR. We have ensured that funding for all the critical rail projects are appropriated and over sighted as at when due.
“We have ensured that the benefits of these projects accrue to Lagosians as well in the area of job creation and infrastructure development that are associated with the ongoing Lagos to Kano Standard Gauge Rail Modernization Project as well as the upcoming Calabar to Lagos Coastal Rail Project which would be of direct impact on Lagos East Senatorial District.
The former Permanent Secretary of Lands in Lagos State also stated that he has remained committed to the ideals of the national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and that of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress, APC.
Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, while speaking at the press conference, stated that Sen Ashafa is a man of honour and value whose services are still needed at the senate.
“Sen Ashafa has said it all in his speech. We are, first to celebrate a performer and second, to enjoin him to go back and continue his good work at the National Assembly” , Asiwaju Basorun stated.
“This is not the time to be sentimental. The senate requires a person with honour and value. He has been doing great job and this is not the time to ask him to stop in the interest of everybody. Nigeria in the next dispensation needs a senator like Sen Ashafa.
“If we all agree that Sen Ashafa should to go back to the Senate because of his performance, then, we all need to go out on October 2nd and give him the ticket by voting for him.
“Please, avoid violence while exercising your rights. It is said that membership cards are ready and you should endeavour to check in your various wards. That is the card that we are going to use in re-electing our senator as the candidate of our party.
