History will not be complete in Lokoja/Kogi-Koton Karfe Federal Constituency without recalling efforts that changed both social-economic as well as the development of infrastructure in the area during the long stretched three term tenure of late Alhaji Buba Jibril, the immediate past Deputy Majority Leader in the House of Representatives.
But, what will also relive his tenure is the ascension of Honourable Shaba Ibrahim, the current serving member in the green chamber, representing the same federal constituency.
This is solely because the people of the area believe strongly in ‘one good turn deserves another’. To ensure continuity, they voted the PDP, a mandate that was retrieved at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.
Shaba’s body language, as an administrator, public commentator, politician, achiever and former council boss, speak volumes to his election by the people of the area in 2019.
Though the power that be scuttled the whole process to award undeserved victory to his opponent, but the court being the last hope of the common man, unsuspectingly reversed the electoral body’s decision in Honourable Shaba Ibrahim’s favour.
This brought to an end to the short-lived political aberration witnessed by the area in contrast to the will of the people freely expressed on the two occasions, during the bye election and the 2019 general elections.
As the choice of his people, not minding coming on board few months after his other colleagues at the lower house, Shaba’s desire to impact on the lives of the people of the area was glaringly uncompromising and tailored towards the advancement of the people in all facets of life.
Shortly after his inauguration and conscious of the demands of both the office and his people, the lawmaker swung into action by proposing bills, motions and making noteworthy contributions in the House.
Honourable Shaba Ibrahim embarked on aggressive census of the demands of the people of the area. Though his constituency hosts the seat of government in the state, there is no glaring sign of social equilibrium in the areas.
He showed promise when he launched his ICT empowerment constituency inititiave to the admiration of youths in the area. Hon Shaba’s contributions on national issues and those that have direct bearing on his Constituency is on high pedestal, particularly the resumption of the dredging of River Niger to Baro, as well as other federal government projects.
His efforts has returned quality representation to the people of the area. He has laid a solid foundation for aggressive employment and engagement opportunity and made solid provision for empowerment of the people of the area through skill acquisition, charity, economic development and uninterrupted template that will sustain other outlets of engagements.
Just few months to his resumption, the people of the area are already singing glorious song that will usher in development back to the area.
As Hon. Shaba Ibrahim marks his birthday today, we pray that his development strides will be sustained as constituents yearn to see him replicate the successes recorded by late Buba Jibril who left an indelible and unequalled development strides in the area.
– Yusuf Abubakar writes from Abuja
