Ahead of the by-election to fill the seat of Akure North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, a group, Initiative For Rebirth, has declared support for Prince Abiodun Derin Adesida’s intent to contest the poll.
The seat was rendered vacant in August this year by the death of its occupier, Hon. Adedayo Omolafe popularly known as Expensive.
A by-election is expected to be conducted in the federal constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not later than February, 2022 after the seat has been declared vacant by Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House.
In a statement by its coordinator, Dr. Abayomi Oladimeji, the group said Prince Adesida is the most qualified and suitable for the position among those who have shown interest in the race.
Oladimeji said the group which comprises Akure indigenes, home and abroad, would do everything to mobilize support for Prince Adesida.
“We are a group of Akure indigenes, both home and abroad. It is our cherished desire that Prince Abiodun Derin Adesida should return to the House of Representatives, considering his notable achievements when he was at the green chamber of the National Assembly between 2007 and 2011.
“During his presence in the House, Prince Adesida assisted 52 Akure indigenes to secure employment with the Nigeria Custom & Excise. Any of these indigenes is a potential Comptroller-General of Custom depending on how they improve and conduct themselves.
“He influenced the installation of N6 billion power transmission sub-station in the Federal Constituency. The giant project is sited along Akure/Owo road. At its completion, the people of the state will no longer rely on Osogbo for the transmission of electricity to the state.
“It is also on record that he was the one who influenced the installation of N150 million worth of 132/33 KV Power Distribution Sub-Station to boost power distribution in Akure South. The project is located Opposite Arcade Ground, Igbatoro road, Alagbaka, Akure.
“During that period, he also distributed 30 transformers within the federal constituency to boost power distribution in both Akure North and Akure South.
“He built blocks of classrooms for schools, embarked on water and road projects, empowered a great number of our people and had among his achievements bills and motions that sought to bring progress and development.
“This is the kind of person we need to represent us in the House; a person who has the right connections; a person who knows how to lobby and influence things for his people; and a person who understands the meaning of purposeful and productive representation.
“We have decided to work for him; to mobilize support for his bid; to do all we can to ensure he returns to the House. We are doing this in the interest of the federal constituency,” the group said.
