By Musa Tanimu Nasidi
Hon Danladi Ibrahim Baba Budon was a one-time Vice Chairman Lokoja Local Goverment Area. He served as member representing Lokoja 2 constituency under the platform of People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Baba Budon,as he’s fondly known is adjudged to be a hard-working and tactician Politician.
Recently, the Former lawmaker,who is aspring under the platform of PDP, spoke with journalists on his ambition to represent Lokoja/ Kogi federal constituency,which he said is an answer to the calls by the people of his constitute,who are yearning for quality legislation. Baba Budon is a
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Why do you want to represent Lokoja/Kogi federal constituency in the House of Representatives after a term as a state legislator?
Lokoja/Kogi federal constituency is where I come from. I live among the people and I understand them very well. I also feel what they feel because I have once served my state constituency as a legislator. Now, the same people who had sent me to the State Assembly want me to go to the House of Representatives as their legislator. My passion is to serve my people always. As such, in any capacity they want me to serve them, I will be willing to do.
Relatedly, politics is now very dynamic and sophisticated. Under the new dispensation, Lokoja/Kogi federal constituency, which comprises of Lokoja and Kogi Local Government Areas of Kogi state needs a representation that has ideas. They need a representation that has the willingness and ability to make things happen. They need a representation that will go to Abuja and bring back the dividend of democracy. They need a representation that is very close to the grassroots.
What is your agenda for your constituency?
My legacies as a former member of the state assembly speak for me. I had given back to my society, I have learnt that you have to consult the people to know what they want and such provide for them.
During my tenure, after examining the traditional birth system in my constituency, I had to bring in medical doctors to train the traditionalists. We also gave them safety kits to deliver babies. I also renovated and built new block of classrooms in about 3 schools in my constituency.
We also initiated free eye surgery to cater for our elderly and also gave out free glasses. We have been running a free ICT centre for our youths and other interested persons for years. Many people have taken advantage of that over the years.I promised to do that during my campaign and I am glad I fulfilled that promise. So, these are some of the things we plan to replicate as a federal legislator. And even do more.
Are these achievements the basis for seeking their support for your ambition?
It is in view of these and many more that I have done that the people are now saying I should represent them. Having done so much for my constituency then, they have the confidence that I can add value to their lives at the law-making level. To actually do more for my people, I need to go to Abuja, to ensure that all the activities and infrastructures that are being distributed all over the federation will come to Lokoja/Kogi federal constituency.
The people in the constituency do not have access to these facilities at present. All we hear is that the constituency gets constituency projects which are never actually done. This time around we are going to ensure that what is due for our people are brought to them. Again, there is what we call quality representation, which is contributing to the affairs of the nation. Everybody is talking about corruption in the nation; everybody is talking about lack of infrastructure and insecurity. The constituency will maintain an office where the people can go and make their complaints which will in turn make representation in Abuja.
These and many more need to be addressed. The Federal Government must give Kogi State what it deserves. I believe I can add my own voice to it and push for what we deserve in the state and my constituency. The voice of Lokoja/Kogi must be heard. There are so many things we need to ask for as a people. There are so many opportunities we need to take advantage of. These are the reasons why I want to represent my people at the national assembly.
