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Courtesy,
I am elated to be part of the epoch making event of the closing session of the Ninth Assembly in Kwara State. Indeed I am grateful to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to lead this Assembly in the last four years. All adoration belongs to Allah for sound health and wisdom to pilot the affairs of the House up to today.
As we are all aware, today’s session is predominantly for stock taking. Therefore, what we are doing is to look back at what we have been able to do in the last four years life of the ninth legislature to serve as springboard for the incoming tenth legislature. This will serve as an eye opener to enable the incoming Assembly build on our modest achievements and further move the State forward.
Without being equivocal, the ninth Assembly, at inauguration was challenged with preponderance of greenhorns as all but one of our members was new. However, the challenge was surmounted with our zeal and readiness to deliver which we all exhibited individually and collectively after we hit the ground running. Even though, in the course of the journey, we lost two of our colleagues to the colds hands of death, we remained undaunted in forging ahead. It is our collective prayer that their souls find peace with their creator.
The fact remains that the modest achievements we have recorded is to the name of the entire membership of this Assembly. And to express my appreciation to you all, I wish to dedicate the largest part of my speech to celebrating each and every one of you individually. I want to start by appreciating the Principal Officers for their understanding, love, support and cooperation. But for their sterling leadership qualities, the modest achievements of this Assembly may have remained elusive.
The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Adetiba-Olarewaju Rapheal Olalekan has undoubtedly excellently accorded honour, dignity, finesse and decorum to that office. He is certainly the fulcrum of the uninterrupted peace and tranquility that this ninth legislature enjoyed in the last four years. It is for sure that your brilliant contributions to debates and stylistic conjectures to State matters have greatly added to the resounding achievements of the 9th Legislature. I must say with every sense of responsibility that I respect your personality and wish to thank you for your uncompromising patriotism. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors.
I also acknowledge the support of the late Hon. Magaji Abubakar Olawoyin of Ilorin Central Constituency and Leader of the Ninth legislature. Hon. Magaji proved his mettle as a worthy House Leader who earned the respect of all of us his colleagues. However, Inna lillahi wa inna ilai Rajiun, from Allah we came and to Him is our final return. Death, the scissors that suddenly cuts the ties of a robust relationship, took him away from us at a time he was most needed around us. I cannot forget in a hurry the heavenly brotherhood tie that I had established with the late Hon. Magaji within the over 3 years of our togetherness. I testify that Hon. Magaji was a dogged fighter, a grassroots politician, an honest and sincere comrade and above all, a God fearing person. His contributions to the stability of the 9th Legislature would forever remain indelible. Hon. Abubakar Olawoyin Magaji is greatly missed, but we are consoled in the life worthy of emulation that he lived. I pray that Allah grant him Aljanah Firdaos and grant we his loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
Hon. Colleagues, a House without rules is a house heading for destruction. One man that stands tall in instilling discipline among the Hon. Members that made our legislative business a success is Hon. Yusuf Atoyebi Musa, the Chief Whip. Popularly called “Toye”, this delectable prince of Ilemona has convinced doubting Thomases that he is able and capable of discharging his official responsibilities without fear or favour. Your meticulous observation of the conduct of members has propelled us to sit tight because we are always conscious of the ‘eagle eye’ and would not want to be caught unawares. Hon. Toye, you have served the 9th Legislature diligently. I wish you best of luck in your future endeavors.
It is often said that the words of elders are words of wisdom and a child who fails to listen to the words of elders is only preparing for failure. “Baba John Bello” as I usually addressed the Deputy House Leader, Hon. Bello John Olarewaju, is one of the resourceful elders in our midst. His counseling, wealth of experience and tenacity to life has helped the 9th Legislature in no small measure especially when we lost the then House Leader to the cold hands of death. I wish to state categorically that I will continue to have sweet memories of every bit of interactions that we had. I am blessed to have had you as a member of the 9th Assembly. May God bless every step of your endeavours, Sir.
Hon. Jimoh Ali Yusuf, the Deputy Chief Whip is a colleague and a brother indeed. Your sagacity and logical analysis of critical issues before the 9th Assembly played a pivotal role in elevating this law making institution to an enviable height. I cannot thank you enough for the contributions and for the support you gave me and the APC family. I am very much sure that politically, you have better days ahead.
Let me sincerely appreciate Hon. Awodiji Omotayo Felix, the House Committee Chairman on Lands, Housing and Urban Development. I wish to unequivocally express my appreciation to you for the maturity you have demonstrated throughout your stint as Legislator representing Irepodun State Constituency. As Chairman, elders caucus in the 9th Assembly, you have been wonderful and brilliantly amazing. I look forward to working with you when another opportunity presents itself. I am indeed grateful and wish you all the best.
Hon. Abdulkareem Babatunde Paku (a.k.a. Paku), our ‘He for She’ legislator who is often considered as the fortress of the 9th Legislature. As a retired military officer, Hon. Paku has not ceased to amaze me with his ever infectious smile which is completely opposite of what the military (Gen. Tunde Idiagbon, Abacha etc.) is known for. Your ability to easily pitch your tent with the civilian brass despite your military background is a demonstration of a special skill in you. This position of your simplicity is equally attested to by members of your “Women Affairs” Committee. I thank you for all your contributions and support and Wish you the best.
Now, to Hon. Awolola Olumide Ayokunle whom I consider as the gentleman of the 9th Assembly. Popularly known as “Pastor”, your scriptural analysis of issues on the floor and brilliant contributions at committee meetings have left no one in doubt of your capability and willingness to serve humanity. Your simplicity and straight forwardness are highly cherished. I appreciate you and wish you greater days ahead in your future life endeavour.
Hon. Abdullahi Halidu Dan Baba representing Kaiama/Kemanji/Wajibe State Constituency and the Chairman House Committee on Water Resources has been a wonderful companion throughout the journey. There is no gain saying the fact that you are one of the shining stars of the 9th legislature. Your intellectual dexterity and political sagacity which you always bring to debates and especially during the screening of Nominees of His Excellency for various appointments have earned the 9th legislature the desired respect. Your ability to speak to power for the good of the institution is much appreciated. Thank you for being a progressive partner.
Next is Hon. Aliyu Wahab Opakunle a.k.a Baba Eleja. Your wealth of experience as a grass root politician and a one-time Commissioner for Tertiary Education in the cabinet of Kwara State Government has been very instrumental to the Unity and progress of the 9th Assembly. Your noiseless lifestyle and selflessness are attributes worthy of emulation. I thank you for all the efforts and contributions that you have made towards the sustainability of Democracy. I pray to Allah to honour you as you open a new page in your political adventure.
Now to Hon. Ganiyu Folabi Salahu a.k.a AGF Salahudeen of Omupo Constituency. As a reputable lawyer, your contributions on the floor have always been legally coded and mesmerizing to listen especially, the signature expression, ”Mr. Speaker, Sir’’. AGF is one of the respected elders of the 9th Assembly. I am always proud to have you around for reasons best known to me. You are such an amazing workaholic elder who’s wise Counsel must not be taken for granted. I appreciate you and pray that Allah appreciate you better.
Hon. Mohammed Baba Salihu popularly known as “Hon. Boriya’’ representing Okuta/Yashikira Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Education and Human Capital Development is a brother, friend and a confidant. You have made this journey much easier for me than you can imagine. I appreciate your honest advice and understanding. For the past four years you have carved a niche in the Baruten political space thereby making yourself very relevant to your constituents and humanity in general. I sincerely salute your courage and doggedness especially in situation where things seem insurmountable. May Allah guide and protect you as you take up another session to legislate for the benefit of your people and humanity in general.
Everything that happens in life is for a purpose. Hon. Ahmed Rufai Adam is a child of destiny. God’s plan is always supreme and nobody can turn it round. The coming on board of my brother and friend is basically Allah’s will. May the soul of our Colleague and your brother, late Hon. Adam Rufai whose sudden death paved way for your coming rest in perfect peace. I must say that I am highly impressed with the manner in which you were able to pick up with our legislative routines. Your sense of humor and contributions within and outside the Chamber had been marvelous. I pray to Almighty Allah to bless you with better opportunities in life. I really enjoyed your support all through the journey.
Next is Hon. Owolabi Olatunde Razaq of Share/Oke-Ode Constituency of Ifelodun Local Government. Popularly called “Owooo’’, Hon. Razaq has carved a niche for himself as far as legislative business is concerned. The vigor and enthusiasm by which he handles official assignments especially at Committee level is second to none. Having been the Chairman, House Committee on Health and Environment, Hon. Owolabi has facilitated the implementation of laudable government Health policies in his constituency and across the State. Your analytical skills at the floor of the House and total commitment to proper legislation leaves no one in doubt of your crave for good governance. Oluomo Of Oke Ode land, I appreciate you and wish you better legislative years ahead. See you again in the incoming legislative sessions.
Hon. Ambali Olatunji Ibrahim of Owode/Onire Constituency of Asa Local Government Area has meritoriously served as the Chairman of the Finance and Appropriation Committee delivering the State appropriation laws in good time for the benefit of Kwarans. Ambality, as your bossom friend, the late House Leader used to call you, your diligence to work within the last four years is a topnotch. You are such a committed Colleague whose virtues must be emulated by all. Thanks for the understanding and cooperation. I am wishing you all the best in your future endeavors.
Hon. AbdulGafar Olayemi Ayinla of Ilorin North West Constituency, Chairman House committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development is another competent legal luminary in our midst in the Ninth Assembly. Throughout the period of our legislative sojourn, Hon. Ayinla proved to be a dependable ally and a reliable confidant per excellence. I thank you for all the opportunities you created for the benefit of this 9th Assembly. I remain highly indebted. Thanks for all the good, sweet memories.
Hon. Abolarin Ganiyu Gabriel, the Maiyegun of Isapa land and Chairman House Committee on Works and Transport is indeed a true friend and a dependable personality. “Baba Isapa” as he is popularly called has been able to use his wealth of experience in the private sector to diligently discharge his responsibility as the chairman Committee on Works and Transport. I must commend all your contributions to the success of the 9th Legislature. In our own case, “it’s not a good bye” but “see you again”.
Hon. Yusuf Abdulwaheed Gbenga Ayinde, Chairman House Committee on Energy, the Offa born Politician, has a unique attribute in the way he handles official matters. Though gentle by nature but highly spirited when it comes to speaking out his mind. I salute your courage and appreciate you for your uncommon doggedness. I wish you the very best in your subsequent legislative years.
It is now the turn of the man with the longest Constituency name Hon. Ahmed Saidu Baba of Gwanabe/Gweria/Bani/Adena Constituency of Kaiama Local Government Area. Hon. Saidu Baba is unique in the sense that he is the only Hon. Member representing the entire Fulani inclination in this 9th Assembly. As a gentleman to the core and Chairman, House Service Committee, your contributions in the running of other Committees have been very impactful. I thank you for your support and wish you the very best.
Hon. Ojo Olayiwola Oyebode, Chairman House Committee on Agriculture represents Oke-Ogun State Constituency. As a grass root politician of no mean repute, Hon. Ojo is known for his bluntness and easy going life. Though, he can be entertaining with his cultural dance steps, he is a reliable colleague in this 9th Assembly. I appreciate Almighty God for your life and wish you the best in all your undertakings. Thank you for all the support and cooperation.
And lastly but not the least is the peerless bee, the one man commando in the House, Hon. Jimoh Raheem Agboola representing Ilorin South Constituency. He is a gentleman to the core and despite his political disposition as the only opposition in the house; he did not give up on his responsibilities to his Constituents. He came, he saw and he remained steadfast to his political philosophy which is in line with the altruism that it is always good to be known for something. I wish to thank you for your understanding of the prevailing circumstances and to appreciate your sense of judgment on critical matters. I wish you all the very best in your future endeavors.
As a result of the vast experience in the art of lawmaking that this crop of Kwarans now possess, without hesitation, I recommend non-returning members of this ninth Assembly to the State for higher responsibilities whenever there is such opportunity in the nearest future.
To our beautiful wives, your supportive role to us as your soul mates in the last four years cannot go unnoticed. We recognize your respective sacrifices and to say that we would compensate you is only an understatement. I however pray that God, the almighty honour you beyond the honour you have done to our iniquities with your silence. Thank you once again, for being the reason we were able to remain focused in the discharge of our legislative duties.
Hon. colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, this speech will be incomplete without acknowledging the unquantifiable role of the Clerk and members of the Management and staff of the House. It is a fact that without the support and cooperation of these clinical administrators, attaining such a feat as green horns in legislative business would have been a herculean task. I must commend the doggedness and sincere sense of purpose of the clerk and her capable lieutenants. It may not be an overstatement to say that you are one of the best. I therefore urge you to continue to be steadfast, focused and dedicated in the discharge of your responsibilities as the engine room of this institution. Wishing you success in all your undertakings.
Finally, I want to thank the entire people of Ilesha/Gwanara Constituency of Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State for the trust and for believing in my capacity to represent them in this Assembly in the past four years and for giving me another opportunity to continue to represent them.
And to the entire Kwarans that stood by and supported me to succeed as Speaker of the 9th Assembly, I say a big thank you.
For the purpose of record, it would be necessary to state at this juncture that it was with the combined efforts of the aforementioned categories of people that the 9th Legislature was able to consider 36 Bills and passed 29 people-oriented Bills into Laws out of which 7 were private Member Bills. Within the same period, 58 Motions and 38 Reports from various Committees of the House were considered with Resolutions passed on them through effective use of public hearings and other necessary tools of legislation. Under my leadership, this 9th Assembly was equally instrumental in resolving many industrial crises that were capable of constituting cog in the wheel of good governance in the State. This could not have been possible without the zealousness and vigor of the various committees who were alert to their responsibilities.
And to the gentlemen of the press, the fourth estate of the realm, you have been marvelously objective in your reportage of our activities. You held firm to the ethics of your profession by being unbiased in giving publicity to our programmes and activities. I commend you for your professionalism and urge you to sustain the existing relationship with us for the betterment of our people.
Finally, I must not end this without acknowledging the excellent moral and financial support that we’ve enjoyed through the uncommon benevolence of His Excellency, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, CON, the Executive Governor of Kwara State. This Assembly appreciates Your Excellency’s quality leadership style and promise to continue to give you the necessary support that will enable the second coming of this administration to continue to give kwarans the responsive and people-centred governance that they deserve. Your Excellency’s style of leadership has indeed changed the narratives. Kwarans, both at home and in diaspora are now genuinely convinced that the game changer has indeed arrived.
Your Excellency, Sir, I wish to let you know that with you at the helm of affairs, Kwara is in safe hands and kwarans are better off.
Hon. Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, everything that has a beginning must have an end. Today 7th June, 2023 marks the end of the life of the 9th Legislature in Kwara State and it is therefore time to take our exit by honorably leaving the stage.
Insha Allah, as a family, I pray that we meet again in good health and sound mind with fond memories of one another.
Thank you all and God bless.
