According to Abraham Lincoln, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
It was never a coincidence nor an error that made the great people of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency to have entrusted their mandate to Hon. Teejay Yusuf for an unblemished record of three consecutive times, a cumulative of 12 calendar years.
I see it as the proceeds of a humble servant leader that was found worthy both in character and in power with track records of unprecedented performance and unmatched records of stewardship.
Until he came on board to represent the good and loving people of our constituency, the roles and responsibilities of a legislator were perceived to be lawmaking and oversight functions only.
Many never believed that the bar of representation can be raised to an enviable height as Teejay Yusuf has practically, qualitatively and humbly manifested it in the last 12 years of uninterrupted parliamentarian duties.
As one of his ardent followers and admirers who was privileged to be part of the glorious journey for more than a decade, I make bold to say that Hon. Teejay Yusuf indeed distinguished himself by successfully sustaining and graciously fulfilling the social contract between the people of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency.
Aside from being a legislator who sagaciously moved over 70 Motions and sponsored more than 10 people-focused and development-driven Bills, I have lost count in my assessment of Hon. Teejay Yusuf’s tremendous landmark achievements in virtually all the communities in our constituency.
He facilitated many verifiable developmental projects in Health, Power, Agriculture, Education, Road Infrastructures and a lot more, not just on paper but practically on the ground.
By the power of his office, Hon. Teejay Yusuf transformed the destinies of more than 300 (and by extension thousands) of his constituents with both Federal and State government employment.
The countless moral and financial support towards his constituents and mankind are top-notch.
In all of these great achievements, it will forever be on record that at no time did Hon. Teejay Yusuf allowed himself to be intoxicated with the euphoria of office – no record of intimidation or victimisation of his critics, not even in the height of open confrontation and provocation.
Like every other mortal, who are created not to be infallible, who by nature must have their shortcomings and who cannot satisfy everyone and all interest, there are surely some noticeable human deficiencies in certain areas.
However, Hon. Teejay Yusuf’s superlative performance, his qualitative representation and positive impact toward his constituency and in the lives of thousands of constituents have outweighed those areas in which some perceived he did not live to expectations.
As the 10th National Assembly wind down today, having been one of the longest-serving parliamentarians from Okun land and Kogi State, may it please God to bountifully reward Hon. Teejay Yusuf’s selfless service to his fatherland.
May posterity be kind to him and may the glory of the latter days be greater than the former.
Hon Teejay Yusuf, you are indeed a worthy ambassador that performed more than just a parliamentarian.
– Tunde Arise Akanmidu
ADC Stalwart
