Edo South Senator Imasuen Speaks On Planned Defection To APC, Achievements

The chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen, on Sunday, said his decision to join forces with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was designed to strategically align Edo South with Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu.

Imasuen, who is billed to be received into the APC on Thursday this week, spoke in Benin City, Edo State capital, spoke on the heels of his two years of stewardship at the National Assembly.

He also highlighted his legislative achievements, community development initiatives, and the rationale behind his new political realignment.

Elected under the Labour Party (LP) banner in 2023 elections, the federal lawmaker disclosed that his decision to join the APC on June 12 stemmed from what he described as the Labour Party’s current state of disarray.

He said, “The reason why I’m switching is not far-fetched. Labour Party is in disarray right now. I’m not even sure we have a party chairman or secretary or executive, and that is precarious for anyone who wants to run for political office,” he explained.

Rejecting accusations of opportunism, the Senator insisted that his planned move to the APC was strategic and designed to align Edo South with federal priorities under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“It is a calculated step to leverage federal alignment and bring more developmental dividends to the district,” he stated.

The federal lawmaker reflected on his legislative journey, noting that the first year of his tenure was hampered by prolonged court battles, which eventually led to the affirmation of his mandate.

Despite the setback, he cited several key achievements. Among them were two pending Bills, including the Federal College of Education, Abudu (Establishment) Bill, which he believed will greatly benefit constituents through improved access to quality education.

He revealed that over 20 public petitions from across the country have been successfully resolved by the Senate Committee under his leadership.

“These interventions have made a significant difference in the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” he said.

The Senator also underscored his efforts in promoting agriculture, a sector he described as the cornerstone of national survival.

He noted that several agricultural programmes have been implemented in Edo South to train farmers in modern techniques and provide tools for enhanced productivity.

“We’ve focused on rubber, cocoa, and cashew farming. There are testimonies from farmers whose yields have improved significantly,” he said.

In the area of youth development, Imasuen disclosed the execution of vocational training programmes aimed at equipping young people with marketable skills. “We’ve trained people in shoemaking, bag crafting, and leatherworks. Many are now running small businesses as a result,” he noted.

One of Senator Imasuen’s most cherished initiatives is a traditional birth attendants (TBA) training programme, targeting women who serve as frontline caregivers in rural communities.

“There are no hospitals in many of these villages, yet women give birth every day. We brought in professionals to train the TBAs on hygiene and modern birthing techniques. It’s saving lives,” he explained. Participants also received starter kits and funding to support their vital work.

The Senator also announced the award of scholarships to deserving students from Edo South district, pledging to expand the scheme in the future. “We’ve only just begun. There is so much more to do in supporting the educational ambitions of our youth,” Imasuen added.