The Deputy National Youth Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Afeez Mobolaji Repete has insisted that Oyo State deserved to produce the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 9th National Assembly.
Repete who doubles as the Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state on Sports and Youths Development, said that the need to zone the position of the House of Representatives Speaker to Oyo State was necessary in order to accord the state a sense of recognition and because of “its immense contributions to the progress, development and unity of the country”.
The APC stalwart who recalled with nostalgia that the duo of Hon. Mukikat Adeola-Akande from Ogbomoso North/ Ogbomoso South/Oriire and Hon. Ajibola Muraina from Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North fought and struggled to become the Speaker in the 7th Assembly but were denied, insisted that the need to rally round the major stakeholders was necessary so that the slot will not elude the State in the incoming 9th Assembly.
He maintained that Oyo state has long been denied the position despite being the political headquarters of the South West.
The APC chieftain while speaking with journalists in Ibadan, the State capital on Wednesday said that Oyo APC produced nine members out of the 14 that would be representing the state in the 9th Assembly.
Repete while congratulating President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election, maintained that the victory belonged to all Nigerians because the contest was between the majority of the masses and few elites.
He urged the the party to ensure that the position comes to Oyo state this time around.
He lamented that in the past, Oyo state had suffered discrimination and apathy, stating that now it is the time to accord the state its rightful place.
Repete said, “Yes, something better this time around, Oyo state is blessed with many responsible politicians, majority are in APC, the state is endowed with people that have dedicated themselves to the service of humanity, so we are expecting nothing less than the Speakership of the National Assembly and I think we deserve it and we can achieve it.
“I believe having the position of Speakership would help us a lot and not only the state alone it would also influence development of other states in the Southwest, in the area of infrastructural development, Federal government projects, employment opportunities and others. At the National Assembly there is always a consideration for the principal officers before others and that will help the state”.
Repete rejoiced with Nigerians for bringing back a government that meant well for them and the country at large, adding that they deserved to be commended because they worked for it.
He said, “If you look at the composition of the National Assembly now we have the overwhelming majority and this will help the party to deliver its promises to the people because there will be harmonious working relationship, between the legislature and the executive arm of government, so we are happy for this and I believe that we will make use of this opportunity to redeem the perception of people about the APC government”.
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