BTO in 2019: A scorecard in just six months at the Green Chamber
Since Nigeria returned to democratic system of government in 1999 – exactly 20 years, two decades ago, the people of Akoko Northeast/Northwest Federal Constituency of Ondo State have had different representatives at the Green Chamber from different political parties.
While it is true that they have tasted representative government for 20 years, had different people sell honey-coated manifestoes and promises to them, it will not be out of place to ask if they have truly experience true representation in government.
Have they being truly represented? Have they seen their works? Have the honey-coated promises manifested into reality. Has there been impact? Well, the people of this area and close observers would have the right answers to the question.
20 years after, June 11th, 2019 ushered in a new set of representatives across the country – the newbies and those returning for second, third and fourth terms.
Six months into the ninth assembly, it will not be too early to start a holistic assessment of those we queued under the sun to elect, after all parents who sent their children to primary or secondary schools always look forward to a report card at the end of each term of three months.
Such report would determine if there is a need to change school or continue to invest in such child.
The first six months of Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as a first time member of the House of Representatives would seem to many as though he is not even a second term lawmaker, but a third term rep member.
Representing Akoko Northeast/Northwest Federal Constituency, Tunji-Ojo presently sits atop the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). A position many have argued is rare to see a first timer occupy, this further bears testament to BTO’s influential status at the National Assembly.
In his first three months in the house, BTO, as he is fondly called by his admirers, facilitated the rehabilitation of the 7 Km Arigidi-Oke Agbe roads.
This feat brings a lot of excitement not just to the constituents, but also to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, who recently declared at BTO’s thanksgiving in Okeagbe that “upon completion, the road will improve commerce, movement of people and will further open up the LGA to the world because that road is strategic in that it connects with Omuo Ekiti and Lokoja.”
Gbajabiamila led 80 other lawmakers to the reception held for BTO recently and spoke glowingly about Olubunmi and how he has been making laudable impacts in just a few months at the Green Chamber.
Need we mention how BTO also took hundreds of his constituents on a trip to Abuja to see what life looks like outside their locality where many have been confined to for several decades.
Again, the constituents were full of joy and accolades for BTO for this.
In just six months into his four years, it is safe to boldly declare that BTO is faring well and far better than those who have been there before him to represent his constituency.
Whenever anyone asks the people of Akoko Northeast/Northwest Federal Constituency if there is anything to show for leadership, they now have a lot to point to, all these in just six months of BTO. They are all visible for all to see.