…Say his vision for true federalism gradually being realized
The National Assembly South-West Caucus on Sunday celebrated Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti on his 100th birthday, describing him as a dogged defender of u interests.
The group of federal lawmakers also noted that the expectations of the elder stateman for “a truly recalibrated federal governance are gradually coming to fruition.”
In a tribute signed by the caucus Chairman and Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the lawmakers hailed Fasoranti as one of the last surviving disciples of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and an embodiment of humility who fought for the birth of the Fourth Republic.
“Baba Fasoranti perfectly embodies the Yoruba values of Omoluabi – honour, integrity, leadership and selflessness,” Bamidele said.
He recalled that Fasoranti served in the government of Pa Adekunle Ajasin in the Second Republic without blemish, and later became one of the loudest voices against military dictatorship, demanding a return to democracy.
“Even after the restoration in 1999, Baba’s expectations for a greater, more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria have never quenched. Rather, he has been offering much-needed guidance and mentorship to different leaders at national and subnational levels,” Bamidele added.
The caucus chairman said South-West lawmakers were conscious of Fasoranti’s push for a recalibrated federation that is “peaceful at home, potent on the continent and resilient on the global stage.”
“Not only us, the entire National Assembly is working to recraft the present federal governance structure to be more competitive, more efficient and more productive. We are glad to report that all these aspirations have started coming to fruition while Baba is still alive,” he said.
Bamidele highlighted constitutional review efforts aimed at devolving more powers to states, including the planned introduction of state police.
“Before the end of the 10th National Assembly, we are introducing state police as one of the measures to deal decisively with security challenges that plague our federation. We hope the state police initiative will come into force in Baba’s lifetime,” he said.
He also pointed to the creation of regional development commissions to address infrastructure deficits and drive development across geo-political zones, and said the National Assembly had established a fiscal framework to support these initiatives.
“As Baba lives on by God’s matchless grace, he will witness more pro-people initiatives that quench his thirst for an equitable, fair and just Nigeria. This is a pledge we are determined to achieve, possibly in the lifetime of Pa Fasoranti,” Bamidele concluded.