How We Lobbied For South West Development Commission

The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has shared insights on how lawmakers from the South-West worked diligently to garner support from their peers across Nigeria for the South-West Development Commission (SWDC) Bill.

Bamidele, during a gathering of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, at the weekend, emphasised the pivotal role of the South-west APC legislators, describing them as a „formidable force“ that has significantly contributed to the stability and progress of the National Assembly.

The leader of the South West Senators called for the institutionalisation of the South West Assembly to facilitate ongoing dialogue among stakeholders.

At the assembly, he elaborated on the cooperative efforts between the South-west Caucus and federal lawmakers from other regions to ensure the SWDC Bill‘s passage in the Senate. He noted that the Southwest Caucus holds substantial influence, with 15 out of 18 regional senators representing the APC, making it the largest bloc of APC senators.

The senator highlighted that establishing the SWDC was necessary and fair, as other regions already benefit from similar commissions. He praised the collaborative spirit among all South West National Assembly members, regardless of party lines, in supporting the bill. Bamidele stated, “We are now awaiting concurrence from the House of Representatives before it goes to the President for assent. Our success reflects our commitment to unity for the betterment of our people.”

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In addition to the SWDC Bill, Bamidele announced the federal government‘s approval for the dualisation of the Ado-Ekiti-Ikere-Akoko road, linking Ekiti State to the Federal Capital Territory through Ondo, Edo, and Kogi States. He also pointed to the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a strategic 700-kilometer project that promises to enhance regional economic opportunities.

He commended the South West Caucus for its unwavering support during challenges. He reaffirmed its role as a stabilising force in the Senate, highlighting its dedication to the National Assembly‘s leadership and its commitment to President Tinubu’s reform agenda.

Bamidele urged that the Southwest Assembly should not be a singular event but a continuous platform for collaboration among APC stakeholders, enhancing unity and aligning regional and national development goals.

He also acknowledged the productive relationship between South-West governors and National Assembly members as crucial for advancing their shared agenda. In closing, Bamidele reiterated the South-West APC Caucus‘s commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s initiatives, promising to work diligently for growth, peace, and progress in Nigeria while building on the legacy of their predecessors for future generations.