A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bimbo Daramola (alias congressman) has disclosed that his proven experience and solid performance places him in a good stead to cling the ticket of the Oye/ Ikole Federal Constituency .
Daramola also hinted that his commitment to public service was shaped early in life, particularly by the influence of his late father, whose values instilled in him discipline , compassion , sense of duty and responsibility.
Daramola,a former member of the House of Representatives who represented Oye/Ikole Federal Constituency between 2011- 2015 under the platform of the APC told a cross section of journalists in Ado-Ekiti that his intention to return was to open new opportunities for the constituents .
The former federal legislator said that the challenges facing his constituency, especially in the areas of infrastructure have compelled him to step forward .
According to him :
“My ambition to return to the National Assembly is driven by service.It is about what more I can do for the people, not what I stand to gain.”
He added that unlike many aspirants, his experience in the National Assembly as a lawmaker and Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House of Representatives places him at an advantage, particularly in navigating legislative processes and attracting development projects.
“This is not about theory. I understand how the system works. I know how to get things done and that is important, ”
” If I had decided not to run again and just stay away, my father would have turned in his grave.He believed that those who can make a difference must step forward. That belief still guides me today.”
” I must say that when I first served in the National Assembly between 2011 and 2015, I had strong hopes of contributing meaningfully to the development of this nation. I moved motions on critical national issues, including insecurity.
“One of my earliest motions was on the emerging threat of Boko Haram and the need to establish a Department of Homeland Security in Nigeria. I had just returned from the United States, where I had studied how countries strengthened their security architecture
“I believed Nigeria needed to act proactively. I even brought copies of the legislation that established the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. But the motion was considered too sensitive at the time, and I was pressured to withdraw it. I refused to withdraw it. I only stepped it down.
“That experience, and many others, frustrated me at the time. I once called my father and told him I was thinking of quitting politics. But he told me, “No, you cannot leave. You must stay there and keep fighting from inside.
“One of the reasons I am running again is to honor the memory of my father, who believed that Nigeria can get better when people who care remain engaged from within the system.
“Secondly, I believe there is still much to be done. Our people deserve quality representation.
He identified infrastructure, particularly Ikole-Ilupeju-Oye road, as a major area of concern, pledging to prioritise it if given another opportunity to represent the constituency.
“The first thing on my table will be how to fix our roads. When roads are fixed, you improve safety, boost commerce, and make life easier for our people,” he explained.
“If given the opportunity again, one of my top priorities will be addressing the issue of roads in Ekiti State. I intend to use my networks and influence to support Governor Oyebanji in fixing federal roads across the state.
“About 90 percent of the roads in the state are federal roads. When these roads are fixed, it will improve transportation, boost commerce, and attract development.
“One of the roads that concerns me most is the stretch from Omuo through Ilupeju to Oye. Oye has now become a university town, and the road was not designed for the volume of traffic it currently handles.
“Trailers frequently use the road, and accidents occur because of its poor condition and the challenging topography. Fixing that road will save lives, improve trade, and support development in the region.
“If God and the goodwill of the people return me to the National Assembly, I will work tirelessly—negotiating, advocating, and mobilizing support—to ensure that lasting solutions are provided”, Daramola said.
About The Author
