2023: I"ll perform excellently well as first timer Senator if elected – GNI to APC delegates

         Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka

Funmi Bewaji

Abeokuta

An aspirant for the Ogun West senatorial seat in the forthcoming 2023 general elections, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, has assured his delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), that he will perform beyond their imaginations, if elected as the next Senator representing Ogun West in the red chamber in 2023.

Isiaka, popularly known as GNI in the political space of Ogun, stated this during a  consultative meetings with delegates, leaders and members of the APC in Imeko-Afon, Ipokia and Yewa South Local Governments on Wednesday.

He stated that Ogun West people must not be deceived by self-serving rhetoric which is not founded on any fundamental principles of democracy.

According to the APC Chieftain, “Being a ranking senator does not automatically translate to superlative legislative performance. There are several instances where first timers performed excellently while some returning ones were docile. What matters is the diligence of the lawmaker at his primary assignment of lawmaking and then facilitation of democratic dividends to his constituents”.

 

On the belief in some quarters that only ranking senators are better equipped for effective representation, Isiaka noted that all principal officers and returning members of the national assembly started as first timers.

He said, “I hear that a particular individual is moving around with this message and I think this issue need to be put in proper perspective. We have had instances where returning senators were dropped for people with no legislative experience at all and they performed well”.

“Let me give some comparative examples. Senator Gbenga Ashafa represented Lagos East between 2011 and 2019. He wanted to return for a third term but a first timer in Senator Adebayo Osinowo (Peperito) of blessed memory, was favoured. After Peperito’s demise in 2020, a newbie in politics who until that time was a Bank MD, Tokunbo Abiru, was given the nod as his replacement and presumably doing well now”.

“In another instance, wife of our national leader, Senator Oluremi Tinubu will be handing over to a first timer in Lagos Central. Those angling for her seat are all making a first attempt. Former Senate President, David Mark, who was in the Senate for 20 years, was replaced with a first timer, Senator Abba Moro.”

 

Isiaka stated further, “Unlike many years ago, the workings and maneuverings in the national assembly are now more understood and a new member that bothers to put up an effort, will thrive, both in terms of contribution to debates/sponsoring of bills and of course, facilitation of federal government initiatives to his constituency from different MDAs via the budgeting process”.

 

The investment mogul and financial expert therefore urged the delegates not to be deceived by anyone boasting and making a big deal of this ‘ranking senator’ status all around the place.

“Our people in Ogun West are knowledgeable and not illiterates. In Ogun State, the likes of Distinguished Senators Akin Odunsi, Gbenga Obadara, Lanre Tejuosho, Kola Bajomo, Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello are few examples of first timer/one term senators that have records of sterling performance”.

Isiaka again promised top-notch representation at the Senate. “I Gboyega Nasir Isiaka your son, will not be bench warmer, I would give a good account of myself. I am a symbol of hope and emancipation of our people in Ogun West and I will carry aloft the banner of this district and make you proud”. He submitted.