SHOLAJA CONVENES STAKEHOLDERS' MEETING ON PEACEFUL CREDIBLE ELECTION IN IKORODU CONSTITUENCY II. | Shakiru Seidu. ..Charges INEC to improve on efficiency. Royal Heads, Party leaders, legislators, others, applaud his quality representation.

Thursday, August 9, 2018, witnessed another historic moment in Ikorodu Constituency II, when the presence of His Royal Majesties, Oba Mudashiru Ajibade Agoro, Ranodu of Imota, Oba Abdulsemiu Orimadegun Kasali, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba AbdulAkeem Adeoriyomi Oyebo, Obateru of Egbin, Oba Richard Ogunsanya, Olubeshe of Ibeshe, Regent of Ijede, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, Chief Dele Olowu, Hon Adebimpe Akinsola, Hon Babajimi Benson, MHR, Alhaji M. K. Sanni, Chief Yeye Gbadebo, Comrade Olusesan Daini, Comrade Fatiu Salisu, Prince Wasiu Agoro, Prince Jimoh Ogunmuyiwa, Alh Sefiu Ogunyemi, Mrs Bolanle Basorun, Councillors, CDCs, religious groups, Party faithfuls and a host of other top govt. functionaries in Ikorodu Constituency II were gathered at Homat Megalite Hall, Igbogbo, to deliberate, synergize and get the appropriate feedback across to the people by Hon Nurudeen Sholaja-Saka.

The opening prayer was made by the representative of the Chief Imam from Igbogbo, Imam Sheriff Andu. This was immediately followed by the welcome address by the Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Comrade Olusesan Daini, who was unavoidably absent due to an official engagement with other Council Chairmen but ably represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon Adewale Bolowotan.

Hon Sholaja-Saka, representing Ikorodu Constituency II at Lagos State House of Assembly gave good account of his stewardship with eloquent speech titled "Towards a Peaceful Credible Election".

According to him, he said the theme was picked on account of the commitment of the Lagos State House in ensuring that there is meaningful representation and accountability to the people and also to get people's opinion and suggestions.

He enjoined the electorates to have confidence in the electoral process for them to participate as this makes government itself to be responsible and responsive to the needs of the people.

"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." Hon Sholaja explained.

According report gathered by MegaXpression Magazine, Sholaja cherished the mandate given to him and resolved to engage his Constituents always to evaluate his performance as people's representative, expand the horizon of opportunities and collaborate to ensure that the impact of Government is felt at all levels.

"We are determined to succeed in our efforts and this is possible only with your collaboration through advice, suggestions, support and prayers.

"In view of the foregoing, we enjoin you to embrace the following:

"Respect for the rule of law; and security officers to ensure the apprehension and prosecution of electoral violence perpetrators;

"Ensure that we do not allow unscrupulous elements to give the impression that violence is part of the electoral and political process; and

"The message of violence-free elections should be carried to the places of worship, schools, homes and parks. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs), and traditional institutions should also be involved in this campaign and assist in identifying flash points in their communities," he said.

Sholaja further urged all the institutions of government including INEC and security agencies to be seen to act with impartiality and to forcefully and publicly speak against provocative utterances; and oppose all acts of electoral violence whether perpetrated by supporters or opponents.

"The Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps (LNSC) should intensify efforts in gathering of intelligence on activities of electoral offenders with a view to providing adequate security. The erudite legislator," he appealed.

Since the last Stakeholders meeting, the erudite legislator, Hon Sholaja-Saka further revealed that the Lagos state House of Assembly has recorded several achievements, among which 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," he explained.

Immediately after his speech, there were reactions from different corners on the challenges facing by the people during the process of getting registered and collection of PVCs. Hon. Nurudeen Sholaja-Saka genuinely did justice to all the questions and agitations of the people.

While speaking with MegaXpression magazine, the former Acting Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos State, Hon Adebimpe Akinsola applauded Hon Sholaja-Saka for his resilience towards community development. She urged the people of Ikorodu Constituency II to be violent free in the coming general election.

Also speaking to Shakiru Seidu of MegaXpression magazine was a dynamic and articulate legislator, representing Ikorodu federal Constituency, Hon Babajimi Benson, who was ably represented by Alh Musbaudeen Alejo, applauded Hon. Sholaja's performance while assuring him of his full support. JB, as he's popularly called further urged the residents of Ikorodu Division, more so the political players to be pragmatic and develop positive mindset that will promote the growth and development of Ikorodu Division.

SHAKIRU SEIDU,
CEO/Editor-in-chief, MegaXpression Magazine.
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