My Office Prioritizes Constituent Needs Amid Subsidy Removal- Aluko Replies Constituent

Ilorin, Kwara State– A lawmaker representing Ilorin East/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ahmed Yinka Aluko, PhD, has addressed a letter from one of his constituents, Ahmed Funsho Hadan, who asked the lawmaker about his achievements since he was inaugurated into the National Assembly.

The letter which was signed by Hon. Ahmed Yinka Aluko, PhD on Thursday, March 28, 20204, pointed out that his office remains steadfast in responding to constituent requests, bolstered by initiatives to alleviate the impact of subsidy removal and support community needs.

The letter read, “I received your open letter with deep appreciation and commend your courage in highlighting these crucial issues. Aligned with the ethos of my campaign, “Your Voice, my Mandate,” I am receptive to constructive criticism and genuine feedback. The quest for meaningful input guided my decision to appoint youths from our federal constituency as my aides. Furthermore, I perceive your open letter not as an isolated voice but as a reflection of the collective sentiments of the esteemed people of Ilorin East/South Federal constituency.

“Addressing your pertinent inquiry, “Are the people’s yearnings and aspirations still being tabled for national action?” allows me to reaffirm my legislative achievements and interventions within a concise timeframe.

“The legislature’s multifaceted roles encompass Legislation, Representation, and Oversight, among others. My office diligently upholds each of these roles. Legislation, being paramount, has seen me sponsor pivotal bills:

1. A bill to establish the Federal Medical Center, Fufu in Ilorin South Local Government (Gazetted and forwarded to the Senate for future deliberation).

2. A bill to establish the Federal College of Education, Oke-Oyi in Ilorin East Local Government (currently at the Second Reading stage).

Furthermore, I have tabled motions on critical national issues, demonstrating my commitment to Nigerians’ welfare. While some motions have been successfully tabled, others await Rules and Business Committee responses. These motions encompass various concerns, such as:

1. The need to address the proliferation of sub-standard steel products in Nigeria.

2. The need for the construction of a flyover at Oko-olowo junction and Shao, Jebba Highway, as part of the ongoing Ilorin – Jebba – Mokwa Highway Dualization project.

3. The need for the rehabilitation of the Idofian – Fufu – Lajiki – Oke-oyi link road in Ifelodun, Ilorin South/East Local Government area of Kwara State.

4. The need to Regulate the indiscriminate allocation of security personnel to private citizens, among others.

“In terms of Oversight, my office under various committees, diligently monitors and reviews the actions, policies, and performance of the executive branch to ensure transparency, accountability, and optimal government functioning. Serving as the Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Privatization and Commercialization, in addition to various committee memberships, underscores our commitment to effective oversight. Please visit my official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068410533806&mibextid=ZbWKwL for a glimpse of our oversight activities and my constituency office at Sango Area, along Jebba Road.

“Effective and credible representation remains a cornerstone of my service, prioritizing the aspirations and welfare of our Federal Constituency. Recognizing the paramount importance of security, I have engaged with various security agencies to advocate for enhanced surveillance, particularly along the boundary between Ilorin South and Idofian, during heightened kidnapping incidents. Additionally, collaboration with NDLEA chiefs underscores our collective effort to combat drug abuse in our constituency and beyond.

“Noteworthy successes have been achieved in addressing petitions submitted by constituents, such as Balogun Laaro’s case against NECO, resulting in a favourable judgment. It’s imperative to note that my approach to interventions prioritizes documentation underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability.

“Moreover, my office remains steadfast in responding to constituent requests, bolstered by initiatives to alleviate the impact of subsidy removal and support community needs. Our interventions span education, sports, religion, and cultural matters, including extra mural classes, support for Quranic and Islamic programs, sponsored football competitions, provision of solar-powered lights, and addressing water challenges. All these are facts that can be verified from my constituency office and the benefitted communities.

“Excitingly, budgetary approvals have been secured for various initiatives in the 2024 budget, including youth and women empowerment programs, motorized and solar-powered boreholes, and road rehabilitation, among others.

“Addressing the grain palliative issue, while delays are regrettable, rest assured that my office has not yet received palliative items. It’s crucial to clarify that the distribution of such items adheres strictly to Federal Government procedures and we have carried out all the necessary and required processes while awaiting the arrival of the palliative. Ensuring equitable distribution once received is our priority.

“In conclusion, while appreciating your courage and genuine interest in our constituency’s development, my Special Legislative Aides (SLAs) and Legislative Aides (LAs) remain accessible for any clarifications or queries. I am also open to progressive partnerships. Congratulations on your appointment as the General Secretary of NANS Kwara, and I extend my best wishes for your tenure.”