A chieftain of Advanced Peoples Democratic Party (APDA) and House of Representatives aspirant, Emmanuel Omale Aikoye, has pledged to sponsor the bill for the establishment of cashew research institute in Idah-Ibaji-Ofu-Igalamela/Odolu Federal constituency if elected into the green chamber.
Omale made this known while briefing journalists after APDA stakeholders meeting in Lokoja on Saturday.
He argued that Kogi East is currently the major producer of cashew and nuts in Nigeria and deserved to host the research institute.
The proposed research institute, according to the aspirant, will not only create jobs but enhance the local economy of Idah federal constituency.
He lamented the current economic state of his people and promised to use House of Representatives platform to reverse the trend.
“We want to see a situation where our people will be liberated from the quagmire we found ourselves. We are going all out to salvage the situation. Whenever I travel home, I see abject poverty, stagnation and people that are dejected. This is not suppose to be. We are in a democracy and everyone is entitled to benefit from the dividends.
“We cannot liberate our people by giving out peanuts to them occasionally, we must first identify what resources are available and then proffer means to utilise it for public benefit. The development of Idah Federal constituency is at the centre of my aspiration.
“With my exposure and wealth of experience, I will woo investors to my constituency. I will champion bills that will promote development. It is a known fact in Nigeria that Kogi state is the national headquarters of cashew nuts. What stops us from sponsoring a bill for the establishment of cashew research institute in the area like we have the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) in Benin City? Citing such institutes in our Federal constituency will not only create new jobs but will enhance our local economy.
“Representation is not about coming home, doling out peanuts to constituents and returning to Abuja while the people continue in poverty cycles. In APDA, we want to spread wealth. Our motto is ‘Stronger Together’. As you witnessed during the meeting, we are united, aspirants contesting for same position are relating well and working together cheerfully. We are not the type that will create barriers against development just because we are not the one bringing it. That’s the spirit in APDA,” he said.
He called on electorates to support and vote for candidates with vision and passion to serve.
