The All progressives congress (APC), in Ijesa land has defended Senator Francis Fadahunsi’s record of service, describing his representation as focused on constituency development, strategic service delivery and grassroots engagement.
Addressing journalists, in Ilesa, Thursday, Honorable Akinyele Akintola, chairman Ijesa south mobilisation made the position known during a media briefing convened in response to a recent protest by a section of youths who raised concerns and allegations against the Senator.
The party said the purpose of the briefing was not to engage the protesters in what it described as “noise” or “reckless politics,” but to provide what it considered factual clarification on Senator Fadahunsi’s stewardship and engagement with his constituents.
According to the party, Senator Fadahunsi has consistently recognised the importance of grassroots engagement and accessibility in political leadership.
It quoted the Senator as saying during an earlier interaction with National Assembly correspondents: “Politics is fundamentally about the people. If you are disconnected from the grassroots, you will ultimately fail. No political office guarantees automatic support without continuous community engagement.”
Akintola noted that Senator Fadahunsi’s background as a retired senior Customs officer had placed him in a strategic position to leverage his experience and institutional relationships for the benefit of his constituents.
It claimed that more than 400 qualified youths and women had secured employment opportunities through the Senator’s interventions and engagements with various government institutions and agencies.
Among the institutions mentioned were the Nigeria Customs Service, Bank of Industry (BOI), Industrial Training Fund (ITF), power sector agencies, teaching hospitals, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among others.
Beyond employment opportunities, he listed several areas where it said the Senator had made interventions, including education, road construction and rehabilitation, electricity and solar power projects, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), trade and investment, youth and women empowerment, skills acquisition and social interventions.
The party also highlighted Senator Fadahunsi’s career record, describing him as a law-abiding citizen who served as a high-ranking Customs officer before venturing into politics.
It noted that the Senator had been conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) by the Federal Government, describing the recognition as an indication of his contribution to public service.
Controversial Statement;
The party also addressed controversy surrounding a statement attributed to Senator Fadahunsi before the just concluded Osun State governorship election.
It argued that the Senator’s statement had been “grossly misquoted and misunderstood,” maintaining that it was made out of passion and concern and was not intended to promote criminality.
APC acknowledged the reaction of the Nigeria Police to the matter and appealed to residents of Osun State to approach the issue with caution and avoid actions capable of further heightening political tension.
It further stated that Senator Fadahunsi had consistently condemned political violence and killings in Osun State, particularly in Ijesaland.
According to Akintola, the Senator recently expressed concern over what he described as the killing of more than 22 APC members, while calling for proper investigation into the incidents.
It urged the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to intensify efforts to address political violence and ensure the safety of residents across Ijesaland and Osun State.
Call for Dialogue with Youths;
The party appealed to youths in Osun East Senatorial District to embrace dialogue and direct engagement with the Senator in addressing issues concerning their welfare and aspirations.
Stating that Senator Fadahunsi remained accessible and willing to engage young people in discussions capable of creating opportunities and advancing their legitimate aspirations.
The All Progresdives Congress further argued that elections and political activities should be driven by ideas, policies and programmes rather than violence.
On the Senator’s political future, the party said a third-term mandate for Fadahunsi would position Osun East to benefit from the experience of a ranking Senator at the National Assembly.
It also expressed confidence that his relationships with the Presidency, Federal ministers and heads of government agencies could help attract additional developmental opportunities and projects to the senatorial district.
