The Senator representing Oyo South senatorial district, Senator Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi has taken his campaign tour to Ibarapa ahead of the 2019 elections.
Akanbi who is seeking to once again represent the good people of Oyo South at the Red Chambers on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, toured Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa North and Ibarapa East Local Government Areas where he took time out to have interactive sessions with party leaders, members and the good people of Ibarapa amidst cheers.
The distinguished lawmaker gave account of his stewardship in the different places visited while also highlighting the manifesto, plans and programmes of ADC in Oyo state.
This is just as he also urged all party members across the wards in each local government to continue working for the progress of the party.
On the campaign train were the ADC Ibarapa North/Central House of Representatives and House of Assembly Candidates, Hon. Hussein Akinlabi and Mr James Adelere Adesokan respectively.
The tour kicked off at Ibarapa North where Akanbi had a meeting with party leaders at Pa. H.O Oketobo’s house in Tapa and later met with Student Union Executives of School of Agriculture, Igboora.
At the meeting, he reiterated how strongly and firmly he stands for local government autonomy adding that he will not relent in pressing and pushing for it until it is actualized.
“Local Governments which were created to bring the Government closer to the grassroots have been rendered powerless and almost useless and not until they are autonomous, considerable development won’t come to our communities” Akanbi said.
In addition he further explained why he has been advocating for the scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions.
In his words, he made it clear that not until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) takes over the conduct of local government elections, there won’t be transparency and fairness in the electoral process. Chairmen and councilors who are selected by constituted authorities instead of being elected end up being used as tools against the masses thereby impeding development to their respective communities.
A general meeting was later held at Igangan after meeting with Alhaji Abdulqadir Saliu, the Seriki Fulani of Oyo state at his house where they pledged their support for Akanbi and all other ADC candidates.
Moving on to Igboora (Ibarapa Central) where the Senator and his team were welcomed amidst cheers. He had a meeting with party leaders at Pa. Adepoju’s house from where they moved to Igboora Central Mosque for prayers.
The Chief Imam, Alhaji Alobalowo thanked and appreciated the lawmaker for his immense contributions towards the development of the Central Mosque.
He laid emphasis on the solar powered borehole the Senator donated and also the construction of ablution house with about seventy (70) functioning water taps.
Senator Akanbi later donated a certain amount of money to augment the money needed for the painting of the mosque.
They then proceeded to Old Motor Park “Pako” where all party faithful, lovers and supporters welcome the Senator.
While addressing party members and supporters, he emphasized that there is no controversy over the issue of ADC candidates which include Senator Olufemi Lanlehin as governorship candidate, challenging some of the oppositions in the two LGs to show evidence of their names listed as the candidates of their various parties.
The case was not different at Ibarapa East, the Senator met with party leaders from the different wards at Pa. S.A Adeegbe’s house where he re-established his commitment towards the continuous development of Oyo South as well as not to relent on the good works already started.
The indefatigable Senator later moved to Eruwa Town Hall for a general meeting with party members where he was welcome by the very hospitable people.
They appreciated him for being in their midst and promised their support for the overall success of the party. Highlights of the meeting also included party members who complained that most of them did not benefit from the Senator’s empowerment programme as some of the empowerment packages were cornered by party leaders.
He later pledged that adequate measures will be taken to prevent such in the future and also promised to improve on his performance.
A prayer session was later held at Eruwa Central Mosque for Akanbi and was led by Alhaji Tijani Adisa.
