Politics is about results, not just relationships. It is about what comes home to the people.
That is why the people of Ibarapa Central and North Federal Constituency are having a serious conversation about the return of Hon. Anthony Adepoju Adebayo for a second term in the 11th Assembly.
UNDERSTANDING THE MANDATE FROM DAY ONE
Before the 2023 elections, Hon. Anthony made one key promise to us during an engagement with the Ibarapa Residents Association in Mushin, Lagos:
“I will not be far from home. Help me with prayers so I can deliver the message of hope from the National Assembly to our people.”
At the time, many of us asked what that really meant. Today, we are seeing it.
He understood that representation is not about Abuja glamour. It is about bringing the dividends of democracy back home.
As a first-timer, often called “INAROBO” by some political clouts he came into the 10th Assembly with no political godfatherism baggage. He came to work. And the record shows it.
A first term in the National Assembly is largely a learning term. A second term is where influence, committee positions, and legislative impact multiply.
Hon. Anthony has already, in his first term:
- Surpassed the first-term record of his predecessor in terms of projects and visibility.
- Put Ibarapa Central & North on the federal map with scorecards that are flying across social media and community groups even though he’s owing the entire IBARAPA a huge sum of money for calling himself IBARAPA KAN ; A name synonymous to the UNITY OF IBARAPA LAND. Building on this legacy of our heroes and heroine made this possible with so much dedication and determination to fight against corruption in the power sector. Marking an UNCOMPLETED project as COMPLETED has plunged IBARAPA into darkness for almost two decades now.
- Built capacity within the system. He now understands the bureaucracy, the budget process, and how to lobby for constituency projects.
The truth in governance: A second-term member gets more recognition, more committee relevance, and more access to principal positions.
We have seen it before with Bar. Ajibola Muraina. We can do it again with Hon. Anthony Adepoju.
To stop now is to start all over again. To continue is to consolidate and scale up.
Why should we go back to Egypt when they’ve literally turned our land into a slave arena.
Some constituents have raised 2 major concerns.
Concern 1:
“Human Relations”
Let’s look beyond personality and focus on performance. Government is not a friendship club. It is service delivery.
If a leader is delivering roads, empowerment, education support, and federal presence, then we must ask: Are we trading results for comfort?
A second term also gives room for growth and learning in public engagement.
Concern 2:
“More Inclusivity in Decision Making”
This is a valid democratic expectation. And the beauty of democracy is accountability.
There is always room to engage, to advise, and to recall if a representative goes off course. But we cannot throw away 4 years of built experience because of fear of what may happen.
Let us use the next 4 years to deepen consultation and ensure every ward feels carried along.
WHY THE 11TH ASSEMBLY MATTERS MORE FOR IBARAPA
The 11th Assembly will be tougher. National resources will be tighter. Competition among federal constituencies will be keener.
In that environment, experience matters.
A ranking member is more likely to:
- Chair or be Vice Chairman of key committees that bring projects.
- Move motions and sponsor bills that directly affect Ibarapa Agriculture, Border Security, Rural Roads.
- Attract bigger federal projects because MDAs trust those who have delivered before.
Starting with a new person means another 4 years of “learning the ropes” while other constituencies move ahead.
This is not about sentiment.
This is not about “spell”.
This is about strategy.
We, the good people of Ibarapa Central and North, have always shown commitment to our nation through our votes and our support for our own.
Let us do it again.
Let us choose continuity over restart.
Let us choose consolidation over experimentation.
Let us choose Hon. Anthony Adepoju Adebayo for a Second Term.
He has given the doubting minds something to discuss. With another term, he can give us something to celebrate.
The hurdles ahead are many. We pray the Lord grants him the strength, wisdom, and courage to stand firm and ensure the wishes of Ibarapa Central and North pass through.
Anthony Adebayo Adepoju for Second Term equals A chance to get things done the right way for bigger dividends.
May Ibarapa Central and North rise.
May Oyo State prosper.
#Continuity.
#Consolidation.
#BiggerDividends.
