10th NASS: Tolu Bankole tells Akpabio, Abass, others not to amass wealth

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

A member of All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC) representing People With Disabilities (PWD), Hon. Tolu Bankole has felicated with the new leadership of the National Assembly, even as he urged them not to use their position to amass wealth at the detriment of Nigerians.
In a statement signed and made available to journàlists yesterday, the chieftain felicitated the presiding officers and implored them to focus on legislative agendas that would improve the socio-economic life of Nigerians.
“I celebrate this seamless milestone and felicitates with the Senate President/Chairman and Honourable Speaker, House of Representatives/Vice Chairman of the National Assembly – Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio (CON) and Rt Honourable Tajudeen Abbas (MON) respectively on this historic occasion.
“I congratulate the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Jubrin Barau and Deputy Speaker, Rt Honourable Benjamin Kalu for being a part of the team who will steer the affairs of the legislative branch for the next four years.
“On this occasion, I also rejoice with all Nigerians for being witnesses to history.
“We must remind ourselves on the need to remain focused on legislative agenda for the emancipation of our people. You are in the saddle as a result of people’s trust across the length and breath of Nigeria. This is the moment to be circumspect, roll up your sleeves and all hands must be deployed on deck to alleviate poverty, push back insecurity, unemployment and the likes through innovative legislative actions” he said in part.
He urged the National Assembly to work as a team with the executive arm without compromising the tenet of separation of powers. He added that in the end, Nigerians are not interested in the number of bills but in the changes in there day to day lives.
“The tenth Assembly leadership must work as a team with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration while maintaining the delicate balance of separation of powers. Your loyalty must be to Nigerians who will judge your success not by the number of bills passed but when majority of Nigerians attest to the socio-economic good arising from the laws. In other words, the good must be seen and felt by Nigerians.
“Your oversight functions and legislative interventions must support all policies that will make Nigerians happy, better and prosperous. The elite must be willing to lead sacrificially to close the near infinite gap between the masses and the rich in our bid to achieve development. Money is not passport to heaven.
“Also, all international economic policies that will make Nigerians poorer should be jettison no matter the intention” Bankole added.
He solicited support for the Persons with Disabilities in there quest for inclusion in Nigeria. “The National Assembly should expect robust engagements from Persons With Disabilities, PWDs, as we in return expect your support on all matters of inclusivity. We are better together in love”, he added.