Kunle Adelabu
-246 respondents in 3hrs affirm lawmaker’s quality representation, want continuity
Residents of Ikorodu have in a very loud and clear manner reacted to the news by a popular national daily that published a news report that the representative of Ikorodu federal constituency, Rep. Babajimi Benson is facing challenges in his bid for his fourth term.
They unequivocally affirmed the lawmaker’s quality representation which they said is unprecedented in the history of representation in Ikorodu and clamoured for his continued representation.
The Punch Newspaper has in one of its online reports on Wednesday night titled, “Forum opposes Lagos rep’s fourth-term bid, cites zoning equity concerns”, reported that political tension is building in Ikorodu and that opposition to his continuous representation is being opposed.
The paper cited one Mrs Ibiyemi Sani, who claimed to be the Vice Chairman of the Justice Forum and woman leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, as its source.
But, within the first 3 hours of the publication of the report, of the 246 respondents (residents of Ikorodu and others), there was no single one that confirmed that JB’s representation is facing any issue as far as Ikorodu Federal Constituency is concerned.
They all affirmed the lawmaker’s good and developmental representation and called for his continuation in representation. In fact, some even called on President Bola Tinubu, who is acclaimed to be the chief kingmaker in Lagos State and the APC to make him the next governor of the state.
Hon. Ola Animashaun, who represented Ikorodu Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly between 1999 and 2003 on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and later aspired to represent the Ikorodu Federal Constituency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reacting to the story said JB has done very well and he deserved to return to the House of Reps.
”Legislators get better ranking and more influence the more they stay in office. A new representative is not likely to bring as much benefit as Benson is bringing to the constituency. He should be allowed one more term in the interest of the constituency. He has facilitated a lot of development within the constituency.”
Another resident, Patricia Okosodo, reacting wrote:
”Hon Babajimi Benson MHR, has made ikorodu see that there is empathy in good governance and he will be going again to continue the good work.”
In his own response, Hameed Olaniyi Ganiyu, wrote on The Punch report:
”If Asiwaju can offer him governorship ticket of Lagos State…. honestly we will all rejoice.
”He’s best of the best honourables Ikorodu ever produced.
”Jimi Benson for Governor… and if governorship ticket is not available let them give him that House of Reps please.”
Asoro Abubakar Olatunji, wrote:
”As it’s, it’s to thank the Forum. At least, Punch Newspapers can now deduce from the comment section that the said people are faceless and are not in tune with reality in Ikorodu Federal Constituency.
“The election has just been conducted and won and it’s a landslide victory for the people’s man.”
Adetola Oyewoga, also commenting, wrote:
”The forum which does not have a name is nothing to talk of, JB’s4th term is sealed. A man of honour that will always think of his people,TALK & DO.
“Many things to show for his return.
“JB our Rep.
”Dividend of democracy is paramount.
”He has made the youths feel better things/positions within and outside Ikorodu Division, state and federal benefits. He deserved to return.
”He deserves to be the next Governor of our dear state, LAGOS STATE.
”LET US ALL BE CAREFUL.
”DON’T BE BRAINWASHED.
”JB OUR REP, NO VACANCY.”
Another netcitizen, Kehinde Adeola, also wrote:
”The forum that doesn’t have name does not exist! Julius Berger of Ikorodu will also do fourth term! His works are everywhere. The only man who had proven to Ikorodu people that truly, there is a dividend of democracy!
He listed some of the roads facilitatd by the lawmaker to include:
1.Erunwen Road
2.Laketu Road
3. Beside, behind Ikorodu Grammar School
4. Igbe Road
5. Beside & Behind Sabo Market
6. OFFIN Road in Igbogbo
7. Olu Odo Road under Igbogbo
8. Agbala to Benson Garage
9.At present, Agbede to Ita Oluwo Road
10.Lambo Lasunwon
11. Adamo Araromi Road etc.
”He facilitated a general hospital in IMOTA LCDA that just kicked off operations.
”None of these roads are less than 1 kilometre oooooo.
”These are the few ones I could remember at this point. JB no shaking!” he added.
Tairu Olamilekan in his own words wrote:
”JB is everybody’s choice in Ikorodu because of his impactful infrastructure projects and human capital development of the youths. Ikorodu people will only vote for another person if JB will be on the ballot as a candidate for Lagos East senatorial district.”
Joining the conversation, Olamilekan Idris also wrote:
”With all due respect, any “forum” claiming to speak for Ikorodu people should first reflect the true feelings on ground. Hon. Babajimi Benson’s impact across Ikorodu Federal Constituency is visible and undeniable from infrastructure to youth empowerment and educational support.
”It honestly raises questions whether this forum is truly based in Ikorodu, because the general sentiment here is appreciation, not opposition. Performance should always speak louder than politics, and in this case, it clearly does.”
Another, Oluwaseun Salami, commented:
”Jimi Benson will win in ikorodu 100 times with his superlative and landmark achievements in the last 11yrs in the saddle. I’m sure the said forums are a mere jester and association of beer parlour drunkers, ikorodu wants JB because he has been setting the standard for representation and nobody does it better than him.”
