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Peace, investment drive qualify Oyebanji for second term — Tinubu’s ex-aide

From The Punch · (14m ago) English Positive tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A former aide to President Tinubu, Ibrahim Olarewaju, endorsed Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term.
  • Olarewaju cited the governor's success in fostering peace, driving infrastructure development, and attracting investments.
  • He also discussed his own ambition to return to the House of Representatives, emphasizing his commitment to constituent representation.

Ibrahim Olarewaju, a former Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, has thrown his weight behind Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, declaring him deserving of a second term. Speaking from Ado Ekiti, Olarewaju, an All Progressives Congress chieftain, highlighted the transformative impact of Oyebanji's administration, particularly in establishing peace, advancing infrastructure, and stimulating investment within the state. This endorsement comes at a crucial time, as political circles begin to focus on upcoming electoral cycles.

If there is anything more than a second term, Oyebanji deserves it. Before now, by this time when the election is about two months away, it would have been news of violence and attacks. But Oyebanji has succeeded in giving us peace in Ekiti State — building bridges across party lines. People want to live, work and invest in a place where there is peace. When there is peace, business can thrive, people can succeed.

— Ibrahim OlarewajuFormer SSA to President Tinubu on National Assembly Matters praising Governor Oyebanji's achievements in peace and development.

Olarewaju's assessment emphasizes the palpable shift in Ekiti's political atmosphere under Oyebanji's leadership. He contrasted the current peace with the often-violent pre-election periods of the past, attributing the change to the governor's bridge-building across party lines. The former aide stressed that peace is a fundamental prerequisite for economic prosperity, enabling businesses to thrive and residents to feel secure. This perspective resonates deeply within Ekiti, where stability is seen as key to unlocking the state's potential.

Look at the massive infrastructures — completed and ongoing in the state. Peace is at the background of the unprecedented development and investments that Ekiti is witnessing now. The fact that you can sleep with your two eyes closed is enough reason to support Oyebanji for a second term. Let us encourage the governor with our support.

— Ibrahim OlarewajuHighlighting infrastructure and peace as key reasons for supporting Governor Oyebanji's re-election bid.

The governor's focus on infrastructure development and investment attraction is also cited as a major factor in his favor. Olarewaju pointed to numerous completed and ongoing projects as tangible evidence of progress, arguing that these developments are intrinsically linked to the peaceful environment cultivated by Oyebanji. Beyond his endorsement of the governor, Olarewaju also shared his personal political aspirations, expressing a desire to return to the House of Representatives to continue serving his constituents. He underscored the importance of effective representation, drawing on his past experience to assure his people of his commitment to their welfare and the development of their federal constituency.

When I was in the House of Representatives, I stood firmly for my constituents, I brought succour to the needy and made our people smile once again and the name of Ido/Osi, Moba, Ilejemeje Federal Constituency continuously rang a bell in the hallowed chamber.

— Ibrahim OlarewajuReflecting on his past performance as a member of the House of Representatives.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.