By Muhammed NA
….A Continuity For Progress
In the landscape of the current Nigerian legislative politics, true representation should never be measured by the volume of promises made in the build up of elections, but by either realistic deliverables or the weight of impacts already delivered in the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly. Thus, as the 2027 general elections campaign is about to begin, the people of Ankpa, Omala, and Olamaboro Federal Constituency stands at yet another critical juncture and the question right now is whether to start all over again or retain a proven performer.
It is worthy of note that the current occupant, Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims was first elected into the House of Representatives in the year 2019 and so far – so good, he is not just representing his constituency so well; he has redefined legislation, made history, brought dividends of democracy to his people and secured an indispensable space on the Nigerian national stage. His stewardship so far having been marked by strategic legislative foresight, multiple records and an unwavering commitment to his people, it becomes a compelling need for him to be re-elected for a third term in the House of Representatives.
History they say, is a recollection of the past and his role as Chairman of the House Committee on Steel Development during his first tenure and that platform availed him an opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s industrialization dreams as centered heavily on the revitalization of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.
Under Halims’ leadership, the committee moved beyond mere oversight to active facilitation of national development. His Legislative co-operation with the executives as at the time culminated in the historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Ministry of Steel Development and the Ministry of Defence to begin local production of military hardware. This move marked a significant leap toward Nigeria’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing, ensuring that the strategic goals of national security align with the revival of local industries and was not just federal policy but a direct benefit to the people of Kogi State.
While championing the resuscitation of Ajaokuta, Rep Halims fought head on for the revitalisation of NIOMCO Itakpe, MTI Oba and the NSDC Kaduna in a bid to build a solid intra-ministerial synergy for national development as a functional steel sector promises massive employment opportunities, infrastructural development, and improved Gross Domestic Product (GDP) that will make Nigeria’s “Giant of Africa” status practical on its own industrial feet, starting from the heart of Kogi State.
Beyond the Steel sector, Rt. Hon. Halims has proven his mettle among equals through his historic emergence as the Deputy Leader of the House of Representatives in 2023. This position, apart from making him the first Principal Officer of the National Assembly from Igala/Bassa Land is a testament to the high regard his colleagues have for his legislative acumen, the network he has built over time, the credibility of his Legislative Aides and the leadership qualities embedded in him.
As Deputy Leader, he has been in the front burner of ensuring that the interests of the ordinary Nigerian are prioritized in national conversations. His ability to navigate the complex political terrain of the National Assembly has allowed him to secure key federal projects and attract developmental interventions to his constituency. His leadership has been characterized by stability, strategic legislative bargaining, and a profound understanding of the “Nigerian Project.”
To elect Halims for a third term is to vote for experience over experimentation, and continuity over uncertainty. His Legislative Maturity is incontestable: He has mastered the rules of the House. He knows how to move workable motions, how to lobby for impactful bills, and how to ensure that the interest of Ankpa, Omala and Olamaboro are well protected in the nation’s annual budget as his Principal Officer status is a direct influential status in all schemes of things.
As a Principal Officer, he is strategically positioned and re-electing him will retain this strategic advantage for the constituency. The voices of Ankpa, Omala, and Olamaboro will be sustained as it is being well heard when they are represented by a Principal Officer of the House. Moreso that Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims is a leader who has shown that he carries the hopes of his people not just in his words, but in his actions. From every community in his constituency to the negotiation tables of the National Assembly, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that dividends of democracy is not just a phrase, but a reality in the livelihood of his people.
The people of Ankpa, Omala, and Olamaboro need a skillful fighter, a proactive strategist, and a developmental patriot. All these are in Halims. For the sake of the land, legislative stability, and sustainable development, the choice is clear in Rt. Hon Halims and we must collectively keep the flag flying. Sai Halims Season 3 — OYOYO!!!
– Muhammed Nasiru has decades experience in Legislative engagements and can be reached via naadejohs@gmail.com
