A former House of Representatives member, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, has disclosed his intention to collaborate with the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, in addressing the challenges of bad roads affecting the people in the state.
Daramola, a contestant in the National Assembly against the 2027 general election, also expressed concern about the security challenges affecting the nation and highlighted his contribution in moving a motion to curb the menace when he was earlier at the Assembly.
The ex-lawmaker spoke on Tuesday while addressing journalists about his aspirations and determination for quality representation of his constituents if returned to the House of Representatives.
He seized the opportunity to pay tribute to his father, Chief Francis Adebayo Daramola (FAD), who recently passed away at age 99.
He described his late father as a community leader and mentor.
“He was a big figure in our lives. My father was very strong on education. That is why all of us have attained different academic levels today. I have a master’s degree, and my other brothers have also done very well. My father truly valued education.
“Regarding the question about my return to the House of Representatives, I must say that when I first served in the National Assembly between 2011 and 2015, I had strong hopes of contributing meaningfully to the development of this nation. I moved motions on critical national issues, including insecurity.
“One of my earliest motions was on the emerging threat of Boko Haram and the need to establish a Department of Homeland Security in Nigeria. I had just returned from the United States, where I had studied how countries strengthened their security architecture
“I believed Nigeria needed to act proactively. I even brought copies of the legislation that established the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. But the motion was considered too sensitive at the time, and I was pressured to withdraw it. I refused to withdraw it. I only stepped it down.
“That experience, and many others, frustrated me at the time. I once called my father and told him I was thinking of quitting politics. But he told me, “No, you cannot leave. You must stay there and keep fighting from the inside.
“One of the reasons I am running again is to honour the memory of my father, who believed that Nigeria can get better when people who care remain engaged from within the system.
“Secondly, I believe there is still much to be done. Our people deserve quality representation. If given the opportunity again, one of my top priorities will be addressing the issue of roads in Ekiti State. I intend to use my networks and influence to support Governor Oyebanji in fixing federal roads across the state.
“About 90 per cent of the roads in the state are federal roads. When these roads are fixed, it will improve transportation, boost commerce, and attract development.
“One of the roads that concerns me most is the stretch from Omuo through Ilupeju to Oye. Oye has now become a university town, and the road was not designed for the volume of traffic it currently handles.
“Trailers frequently use the road, and accidents occur because of its poor condition and the challenging topography. Fixing that road will save lives, improve trade, and support development in the region.
“If God and the goodwill of the people return me to the National Assembly, I will work tirelessly—negotiating, advocating, and mobilising support—to ensure that lasting solutions are provided”, Daramola said.
