By Editor
A group under the aegis of National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) Ekiti State chapter, was inaugurated on Friday.
The Forum which is an enlarged body of all tiers of former lawmakers in Ekiti State was an initiative of the Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
The historical political gathering was attended by a large number of former lawmakers who served the state in the current 4th Republic while two surviving ex-legislators in the 3rd Republic graced the occasion.
In his opening address, the General State Coordinator, Dr Ife Arowosoge emphasized the role of legislators in sustaining democracy especially in the Nigeria’s presidential system while appreciating the ingenuity of the Chief of Staff to the President for giving all former legislators the pride of place in the nation’s political evolution having passed through the rigorous exercise of being elected by the people.
He used the occasion to drum support for the return of Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in the June 20 governorship election.
According to him, the Governor has given a clear instruction that 500,000 votes must be delivered to him in the coming election saying it was a task that must be done by all and sundry as a measure against abysmally low voting figures for Ekiti in the past.
He said the event was not only about forming a body but about consolidating experience, setting democratic engagement and committing members of the forum to service.
His words; “This Forum brings together men and women who remained deeply committed to the grassroots though we have left office, we have not left service. Your Excellency Governor Biodun Oyebanji, we start ready to support your administration, we will mobilize across all wards and communities in Ekiti State to announce your development agenda. We also declare our full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, and his Renewed Hope Agenda.
“With today’s inauguration, we’ll initiative grassroots mobilisation across all the 177 wards in Ekiti State first, for the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti and subsequently for the 2027 general election. We are competent to deliver on the mandate placed before us which according to Mr Governor is to deliver 500,000 votes in the coming election”
Speaking in similar vein, former Senator Biodun Olujimi who described legislators as salt of the world reinstated the invaluable role of legislators in the nation building saying democracy cannot thrive without legislators.
“Distinguished legislators, let me congratulate the Nigerian Forum of Former Legislators on the inauguration of Ekiti State chapter. As former legislators, we’ll all be part of shaping Nigeria’s democracy. It’s time for us to rally behind President Tinubu and our Governor to ensure that the next round of elections are a resounding success for our party. Let’s work together for a greater future, mobilize effectively for next coming election. I want to remind you that this government is a government of former legislators. The President is a former legislator, his wife a former legislator, also the SSG, Chief of Staff, Vice President, Deputy Chief of Staff to mention a few are all former legislators. So for me, I believe we are part of the most reverred structures that define democracy”
Former House of Representatives member and Chairman, CEO of Federal Housing Authority, Oyetunde Ojo in a moving speech, stressed the utmost importance of inclusion of counsellors in the Forum saying anyone who went through election even from Ward level ought to be celebrated.
He use the occasion to highlight some of the gains of reform policies of President Tinubu especially on fuel subsidy removal and the floating of Naira which has helped to boost the economy ensuring foreign direct investment by international partners.
Oyetunde Ojo stressed the need for Ekiti people to vote massively for both Governor Oyebanji and Tinubu in the next round of elections in appreciation of the huge favour in terms of federal appointments coming to Ekiti sons and daughters as well as ongoing visible infrastructural developments in parts of the state.
Performing the official inauguration, the National Coordinator of the Forum, Hon. Raphael Nanna Igbokwe in his address lauded Governor Oyebanji on a number of visible developmental projects and the quality of infrastructure observed by members of his team and the peaceful serene environment in Ekiti.
He relayed the goodwill message of Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the convener of the Forum to Ekiti people for the wonderful work displayed in the last general election.
“We are relying on the votes of Ekiti and we want to start by the 20th of June, we want to see the quantity of votes you will be bringing out in support of the performing Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji” he said
Reading from his prepared speech, Hon. Nanna said; “Our collective mission as former legislators is to promote, good governance, deepen democratic values through experience, dialogues and strategic debates.
“As former legislators across all tiers all together under the platform of National Forum of Past Legislators to foster unity, strengthening institutions and support policies that advance welfare of our people.
At the end of official inauguration Hon. Bimbo Daramola who is member, Advisory Committee of the NFFL presented the communique of the Forum touching on some basic fundamentals such as the deployment of esteemed abundant of their to provide advisory support and strategic insights, support for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for second term in office in recognition of his developmental strides and commitment to the progress of the state, affirmed it’s position on rotational presidency between the north and southern Nigeria as well as the endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term in office.
Governor Oyebanji ably represented by the SSG Prof.Habibat Adubiaro thanked the organizers of NFFL Ekiti State chapter noting that the role of legislators in a democracy is of central importance
“As former legislators, you will continue to carry the honour and recognition as representatives of your people as your constituents continue to give you respect of a person worthy to speak on their behalf. I’m very glad that we now have a forum like this which government can possibly use to communicate with the people, feel their pulse and get their feedback”. The governor said.
The historic gathering which was held at Lady Jibowu Hall was attended by a large number of former legislators including immediate past Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly Hon. Adenugba, Hon. Yemisi Opakunle who moderated the program, Hon. Tope Ademiluyi, Hon Idowu, Hon. Funso Adesokan Hon. Jimi.
Others are; Hon Dr. Ife Arowosoge, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, Hon. Bimbo Daramola Sen. Biodun Olujimi amongst others
