By Ademola Orunbon
A House of Representatives candidate in Lagos, Noheem Balogun, has vowed to make a good representation and address the “long-time deprivations” which he said the people of Epe division have suffered due to lack of federal government presence in the constituency.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate stated this at the launching of solar street light donated to Epe communities and its environs.
Balogun promised to provide quality representation for Epe Federal Constituency if elected in next year’s general election.
He said his people deserved a viable representation that would effectively connect the constituency to the national resource distribution, noting that the constituency had been cut off from federal presence-led by the Wale Raji representation at the low chamber.
He promised to lobby to attract federal government-funded projects to the local communities, if elected, noting that he would promote legislations that will address the constituency’s needs.
They include sound primary health services, with at least one primary healthcare centre in every ward; Educational support; Empowerment of youths and women, Developmental support initiative for infrastructure maintenance, and Sports talent and social development.
Balogun said he would continue with his direct personal interventions with his limited resources as he has been doing in different areas of Epe division for over 10 years, saying that open policy would be his priority, as people would be allowed to register their grievance about the governance
He added: “The direct personal interventions will be focused on supporting the weaker members of my constituency in the areas of their health needs, education, empowerment, and youth sporting engagements.
“To the good people of Epe, Eredo, Ejirin, Odomola, Odo-Iragunshin and those of riverine residents, I make this patriotic call to you all today to recognise that this our federal constituency require very strong leadership and true representation at this critical period of our national life.
“This time around, the general election is beyond the criminal rigging processes of the past, and mind you the 2023 elections are within the purview of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), people just need to shine their face and vote rightly, especially for a credible candidate of their choice.
“We strongly believe that Epe, Poka, Iraye, Odomola, Odo-Iragunshin, Odo-Egiri, riverine areas and Agowa, Eredo-Ejirin will support us wholeheartedly and give us their votes on the election day.
“As we prepare to start our campaign across the nooks and crannies of Epe division and its environs, we shall speak to issues concerning the development of our constituency and what our party intends to do for the residents.”
Balogun said his campaign would not be based on empty promises, but issue based with meaningful and vibrant projects that would have a great impact on the people of the constituency
He said: “I wish to say this is not just the usual deceptive and fraudulent campaign theatrics of politicians in Epe and its environs, to always engage in unfulfilled promises at every election season like this and once they succeed in stealing their way to power, they abandon our people.
“I will affirm that our event of today in launching of solar street lights is a covenant between our party the PDP, myself as candidate for the House of Representatives election and the electorate of Epe Federal Constituency.
“It is a covenant to truly serve our people and create a marked departure from the sordid experiences we have had over the years since 1999 from the elected All Progressives Congress (APC) representatives at various levels.
“There is the clear evidence that the people of Epe and its environs have not really benefitted as they should from the elected candidates of the ruling APC.
“This is what Noheem Balogun is seeking to stop through your mandate, as candidate for the House of Representatives, I will plead with all sense of commitment to our people: please give me your mandate, I will serve you well and better.”
Balogun believes Nigerians will vote for competent candidates with track record and integrity irrespective of their parties, religion, ethnic and tribe background.