How we lobbied other lawmakers to pass South West Development Commission bill – Bamidele

Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Leader of the Senate, has shed light on the concerted efforts of lawmakers from the South-West region to rally support for the South-West Development Commission (SWDC) Bill among their peers across Nigeria.

Speaking at an All Progressives Congress (APC) gathering at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos over the weekend, Bamidele praised the South-West APC legislators as a “formidable force” that has played a crucial role in promoting stability and progress within the National Assembly.

During the assembly, he emphasized the importance of establishing a South-West Assembly to foster continuous dialogue among stakeholders in the region.

Bamidele highlighted the collaborative efforts between the South-West Caucus and federal lawmakers from other regions to secure the passage of the SWDC Bill in the Senate.

He pointed out that the South-West Caucus wields considerable influence, with 15 out of 18 regional senators representing the APC, making it the largest bloc of APC senators in the National Assembly.

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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.”

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.