Politics
Why Obanikoro deserves re-election to the Green Chamber of the National Assembly …..plus his intimidating achievements
Why Obanikoro deserves re-election to the Green Chamber of the National Assembly
…..plus his intimidating achievements
As electioneering process has begun in earnest in the country, every politician is busy running around to seek political office or retain their current positions. Our media house will be doing some spotlights on the achievements of these politicians so as to determine if they truly deserve a re-election.
Consequently, we will be starting with Honourable Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro (IBO) whom many of his constituents, particularly the youths see as the pride of Eti-Osa and Lagos in general. Our media visited Eti-Osa, starting from Obalende to Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, Ajah, Ogombo and many other areas within the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency.
This spotlight therefore highlights Hon. Obanikoro’s achievements and how he has fulfilled some of his campaign promises to his constituents, while hoping to continue and finish the good work he has started with the good people of Eti-Osa Federal Constituency.
Our media gathered that consultations and meetings have begun in earnest for Rep. Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro popularly called IBO, the honourable representing Eti-Osa Federal Constituency of Lagos State at the House of Representatives, Abuja in preparation for his second term bid as the people’s representative come 2023.
IBO MHR who is rounding off his tenure as a first timer in the Green Chamber has been very consistent and keen about the development and progress of Eti-Osa. This explains why he runs an open-door policy to welcome ideas and suggestion that would fast-track development in Eti-Osa and its environs.
In his almost three years in the House of Representatives, he has brought significant progress and development to Eti-Osa through different legislative intervention programmes. Eti-Osa now wears a new look through some of his intervention projects, and with the cooperation and partnership with the Lagos State Government and the four local council executives within the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency, his constituents have been enjoying the dividends of democracy all around.
Since his first empowerment programme in 2020 as a legislator, there have been several commendations and applause from party leaders, party faithfuls and constituents alike.
In the area of legislation, Rep. Obanikoro he has been able to make feasible contributions in the House, and through some oversight functions as a legislator. This, he believes, has brought some democratic dividends to Nigerians and by extension to the people of Eti-Osa Federal Constituency.
He contributed to the debate that ensured an increase in the amount allocated to health sector in Nigeria. His motions in the House include:
A motion on the need to urgently address the deplorable state of the military and
paramilitary barracks within Eti-Osa Federal Constituency.
A co-sponsored motion on the need to immortalize Dr. Stella Adadevoh for the role she played during the Ebola crisis in Obalende which is within Eti-Osa Federal Constituency.
A call for the capturing of Nigerians in Diaspora in the electoral reform
amendment bill.
A motion on the need to urgently evacuate abandoned planes from our runways.
A motion on the need to urgently address the deplorable state of infrastructure, lack of amenities and inhumane treatment of patients in LUTH.
We can also hinted that he has some awaiting bills in the House which include:
A bill for an Act to alter the provision of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria to make economic and social rights in Chapter 2 justifiable under the
Constitution and Related Matters.
A Bill for an Act to amend the administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and for
other related matter to prohibit public parade of suspects before and after arraignment.
A Bill for an act to amend the National Commission for Rehabilitation Act, CAP N22 LFN 2004 and related matter to increase fines provided for by the ACT and other related matters.
On human capital development, Rep. Obanikoro seems to have covered a lot as we confirmed that he has empowered numerous petty traders with cash to enhance their businesses. He trained and empowered over 70 constituents in various artisanal skills; trained and empowered over 120 constituents on agro-mechanized farming; secured employment for a constituent in the University of Calabar; facilitated the recruitment of a constituent into the Department of State Services Agency; ensured prompt payment of pension benefits for some constituents; facilitated the redeployment of NYSC members (constituents) from highly
volatile states; and secured employment for constituents with the National Taskforce.
Observing the infrastructural deficit in Eti-Osa Federal Constituency, Rep. Obanikoro through his legislative interventions facilitated several infrastructural development projects to the constituency. These projects include the construction and equipping of a standard healthcare centre at Lafiaji, Eti-Osa; rehabilitation of roads at Shola Omole Street in Ado and Odo Street in Obalende respectively; facilitation of the installation of solar street lights at Prince Olanrewaju
Elegushi Street at IIasan area of Eti-Osa through the Rural Electrification
Agency (REA); rehabilitation of the main road at 1004 Estate, Victoria Island (Ongoing); rehabilitation of the Olufemi Olatunji Road by Ajiran Road Junction; rehabilitation of 2 roads at Osapa London; rehabilitation and drainage construction of Omoba Murphy Adetoro
Street at Ajah; construction of a block of 3 classrooms for a secondary school at Ajiran; and many others.
From all indications, education is one of the top priorities in the agenda of Rep. Obanikoro. He felt creativity and invention through education could open wider opportunities for the festering of ideas, therefore in a bid to achieve this, he has assisted constituents in the admission of numerous students into various secondary schools, universities, polytechnics, colleges of
education and nursing schools; provided free school bus to commute students within the constituency; sponsored summer coaching for students within the constituency; facilitated the redeployment of various NYSC members to preferred state; facilitated the construction of various classroom blocks in schools within the constituency; distribution of laptops to school and outstanding individuals within the constituency; provision of school furniture to numerous schools across the constituency, and the distribution of free jamb forms.
Also during the peak of the pandemic, he successfully distributed relief materials such as food items, facemasks, hand sanitizers, etc. across Eti-Osa Federal Constituency.
From our records, it was observed that no past Member of the House of Representatives in Eti-Osa Federal Constituency ( including some son of the soil) has ever met up with IBO’s achievements, as most of them only prefers the stomach infrastructure ideology to the physical and infrastructural development which IBO has adopted.
These are some of his achievements we have been able to put together. His projects and achievements are visible all around the constituency. We also gathered that indeed people benefited from his empowerment programmes as testimonies from the beneficiaries proved it all.
He is presently seeking his constituents’ support in his re-election bid to represent them at the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Politics
LPDC Verdict: CRG Hails Decision Clearing Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Condemns Political Witch-Hunt
LPDC Verdict: CRG Hails Decision Clearing Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Condemns Political Witch-Hunt
The Centre for Responsible Governance (CRG) has welcomed the decision of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) dismissing the complaint filed against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, describing the ruling as a clear affirmation of due process and institutional integrity.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the spokesman of the Centre, Obande George, said the verdict of the disciplinary body has once again vindicated the Deputy Speaker and reaffirmed the position earlier taken by CRG that the allegations against him lacked merit.
The LPDC, in its ruling referenced BB/LPDC/1954/2026, held that no prima facie case had been established against the Deputy Speaker and dismissed the complaint in its entirety.
According to George, the decision demonstrates the importance of allowing competent institutions to examine allegations objectively rather than rushing to judgment in the court of public opinion.
“From the onset, the Centre for Responsible Governance maintained that justice must take its course. We insisted that competent institutions should be allowed to examine the issues without political pressure or sensationalism. The LPDC’s ruling has now clearly shown that the allegations had no foundation,” he said.
The CRG spokesman further stated that the decision reinforces the sterling reputation of the Deputy Speaker, who has over the years built a distinguished profile both as a legal practitioner and as a legislator.
“Honourable Benjamin Kalu is a respected member of the Nigerian Bar and an accomplished lawmaker. Attempts by some individuals to impugn his reputation through unfounded allegations were unfortunate and unnecessary.”
CRG also condemned the actions of certain civil society groups that were quick to demand that the Deputy Speaker step aside from office even before any formal determination had been made by the relevant authorities.
George described such calls as premature and irresponsible, noting that they contributed to the politicisation of a matter that required sober institutional review.
“It is disappointing that some civil society organisations rushed to demand that the Deputy Speaker step aside without allowing due process to run its course. Advocacy for accountability must be guided by facts and fairness, not by sensational pressure.”
The organisation also criticised what it described as the role played by some political actors from the South East who allegedly sought to exploit the controversy for narrow political interests.
According to CRG, it is troubling that certain politicians would attempt to undermine one of their own for short-term political advantage.
“It is even more disturbing that some political actors from the South East appeared eager to weaponise this matter in an attempt to bring down one of their own for cheap political gain. Such actions weaken collective political progress and erode the spirit of solidarity required for national development.”
CRG therefore called on Nigerians to learn from the episode and reaffirm respect for institutional processes and the rule of law.
The organisation stressed that public discourse must be guided by evidence, fairness and responsible engagement rather than rumours or politically motivated campaigns.
“The lesson here is simple: allegations must be tested by competent institutions before conclusions are drawn. Nigeria’s democracy will only grow stronger when due process is respected and reputations are not casually destroyed.”
CRG concluded by congratulating the Deputy Speaker for maintaining calm and dignity throughout the controversy, noting that his composure reflected confidence in the justice system.
@The Centre for Responsible Governance, Email: [email protected], Instagram: crgngo6, Twitter: crgng06, Threads: crgngo6
Obasa Appointed to CPA African Executive Committee
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has been appointed as a Sub-National Representative to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) African Executive Committee.
The announcement was formally conveyed through a letter from the CPA Africa Region, which was read on the floor of the Assembly by the Clerk, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, on Tuesday, March 10. The appointment confirms Speaker Obasa’s three-year tenure, spanning 2026 to 2029.
Lawmakers took turns to congratulate Speaker Obasa, praising his devotion to parliamentary service and his consistent efforts to strengthen legislative practice. They described his appointment as a recognition of his hard work and a reflection of Lagos State’s growing influence within the Commonwealth. Members noted that his achievements continue to bring pride not only to Lagos but to Nigeria as a whole.
In his remarks, Speaker Obasa expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their support, urging them to remain steadfast in prioritizing the progress of the Assembly and to continue working collectively to advance the legislature. He further directed the Clerk to send a formal letter of appreciation to the CPA African Region for the honour bestowed upon him. “Let us always put the House of Assembly first and never relent in our efforts to move the legislature forward, ” Obasa concluded.
The CPA African Region plays a pivotal role in advancing the interests of African parliaments within the Commonwealth. It is widely recognized for promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, respect for human rights, democracy, and good governance across member nations.
TINUBU RENEWS TENURE OF THREE PERMANENT SECRETARIES
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the renewal of tenure for three Permanent Secretaries in the Federal Civil Service, in line with existing public service regulations.
The approval was disclosed in a statement issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, indicating that the renewed appointments will take effect from April 27, 2026.
The affected officials include Kachallom Shangti Daju, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; Beatrice Jedy‑Agba, Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Justice; and Mary Ada Ogbe, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Regional Development.
According to the statement, the renewal represents a second and final four-year tenure for the officials, in accordance with the provisions of Public Service Rule 020909, which allows Permanent Secretaries an initial four-year term with the possibility of a second term based on satisfactory performance.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson‑Jack, congratulated the Permanent Secretaries on their reappointment and urged them to see the renewed mandate as a call to greater dedication and excellence in service delivery.
She further encouraged them to deploy their experience and professional expertise toward strengthening governance and advancing national development.
The statement was signed by Eno Olotu, Director of Press and Public Relations in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and dated March 6, 2026.
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