Re-elected Rep. Tunji Olawuyi (APC-Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke-Ero) of Kwara has urged the opposition to join hands with him to develop their constituency.
Olawuyi solicited for their support to “build a constituency that will become the envy of all and one that will become a reference point in Kwara and Nigeria at large”.
He made the appeal in a statement issued on Sunday in Omu-Aran, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olawuyi won his re-election after polling 22,140 votes out of 59,075 accredited voters to beat his closest rival, Dare Bankole of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 19,092.
Dr Nurudeen Bello, the Returning Officer for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) anounced the results at the collation centre in Omu-Aran on Sunday.
The statement described the battle as fierce, adding that it was intense and rigorous but his constituents stood solidly by him and the APC.
“I was not expecting less, because you have always positioned yourselves to be a dependable ally, you are my pride and for this I remained grateful for your sacrifices and loyalty.
“The campaign of the last few weeks has been tasking, we never took our people for granted, moving from one Local Government to the other and criss-crossing the 42 wards of our federal constituency seeking their support for my aspiration.
“One thing I love about my people is the ability to bare their mind on issues bothering them, they did not fail to tell me where they think I could improve in my subsequent legislative assignment throughout our campaign period which to me was an eye opener.
“No doubt I have worked relentlessly for them since they elected me four years ago, I may not have satisfied all their yearning due to limited resources, but I spared no effort to do what is needful with the available resources and they appreciate this in no small measure.
“I do not know how to thank you for your steadfastness, doggedness, loyalty and commitment to the APC and myself as the candidate,” Olawuyi stated.
He attributed his re-election to the massive support enjoyed from the constituents.
“When Dr Nurudeen Bello, the Returning Officer for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), made the announcement at the collation centre in Omu-Aran on Sunday, the excitement on your faces was palpable.
“I saw a renewed hope and a feeling of total freedom from the man of yesterday.
“This victory is dedicated to you and to the memory of our brothers and sisters who died in a fatal accident while celebrating the first victory we recorded in 2018.”
He expressed appreciation to his people, adding he does not take this for granted.
“It’s our victory. I promised to redouble my effort in my service to you.
“I profoundly thank the Governor of Kwara State, Malam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his untiring support, my party – the APC, and the leadership, including my foot soldiers and supporters for standing by me. I remained indebted,” Olawuyi said. (NAN)
