An Estate surveyor and Valuer, Mr Oluwagbemiga Ilori, has lauded the former member of the House of the Representatives, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele for declaring for Ekiti governorship poll, saying the state will become the economic hub of the Southwest with him in the saddle.
The Lagos based businessman said, Bamidele has the requisite exposure, political experience and the temperament to be able to restore the state’s lost glories in the areas of economy, agriculture, health and other critical sectors, having garnered experience as a commissioner in Lagos and National Assembly.
Speaking with journalists on Friday in Lagos on the 2018 Ekiti governorship election, Ilori disclosed that Ekiti cannot afford to gamble with their collective destiny in the poll, urging them to vote for a man with the right frame of mind and mental capability to lead the state.
He described Bamidele as a thorough-bred administrator, who has proved his mettle during his four years in the House of Representatives, saying the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain became a darling name in Ekiti politics with the quality representative he offered on the floor of the National Assembly.
Ilori said the fact that Bamidele plunged into the race at a time the party is in the opposition and needed someone with the political network to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), further confirmed the enormous respect and commitment he has for the people.
“Hon Bamidele is a man with unblemished records in the politics of Ekiti. During his time as a commissioner in Lagos State, he saw Ekiti as an immediate constituency. He treated every Ekiti indigene with respect. He offered them jobs and offered assistance that can brighten their careers.
“Also, as a member of the National Assembly between 2011 and 2015, he sponsored so many bills that can make life better for Nigerians. He constructed class rooms for schools in Ado and Irepodun/Ifelodun federal constituency. He constructed ultra modern health centres in the two councils that are of benefits to the citizens.
“When it comes to the act of giving, Bamidele is unrivaled. He is kind to a fault. He sees lifting humanity from the pangs of poverty as his hobby.
“In terms of scholarship, Bamidele is a well read person. He Bagged B.A., LL.B and LL.M degrees from the University of Ife( now Obafemi Awolowo University,). With these daunting academic laurels, it was evident that the former federal lawmaker is well equipped for the plum job.
“We need a man that is educated, politically sagacious and morally upright at this critical time Ekiti has been debased in all facets by the current government. We need a man that can restore Ekiti values and with Bamidele in the saddle, our people should be rest assured that they are in safe hands”, he said.
Ilori appealed to APC to stop unnecessary discrimination within the party, describing the branding of some top leaders of the party as defectors as a distraction capable of robbing the party of victory.
He, then appealed to Chief John Oyegun-led National Working Committee of the APC to conduct free, fair and credible primary, so that the party can approach the poll with an invincible and united posture.
