The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has revealed how federal lawmakers from the South-West states lobbied their colleagues from other geo-political zones to pass the Bill for the establishment of the South West Development Commission (SWDC).

Bamidele, also the Leader of the South-West National Assembly Caucus, disclosed that lawmakers from the South-West APC “have been a formidable force, contributing significantly to the progress and stability of the National Assembly.”

He made the remarks at the 2024 South-West Assembly of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held in Lagos on Saturday, where he suggested the need to institutionalize the assembly for regular and sustained interaction among stakeholders.

At the regional assembly, Bamidele explained how the South-West Caucus worked with federal lawmakers from other geo-political zones to secure majority support for the passage of the South West Development Commission Bill, 2024, at the upper chamber.

Specifically, the Senate leader highlighted the considerable influence of the South-West Caucus in the 10th National Assembly, pointing out that out of the 18 senators from the geo-political zone, 15 are from the APC.

This figure, according to him, makes the South-West the largest single bloc of APC Senators in the Senate. This has given us considerable influence, and we have used it effectively for the good of our people.

Bamidele further pointed out that the South-West Caucus in the National Assembly leveraged its considerable influence to ensure the successful passage of the South West Development Commission Bill.

He noted that the push for the establishment of the SWDC was not just a necessity but a matter of equity, as other regions have similar commissions in place, saying every member of the South West National Assembly, regardless of party affiliation, worked together to ensure the passage of the bill in the Senate.

He said: “We are now awaiting concurrence from the House of Representatives before transmitting it to the President for assent. We recognize that our success is not limited to members of the APC alone. Our colleagues from other political parties have been just as committed to the success of our region.

“This bill, and many others, remind us that when it comes to the development of our people, there is no room for division. We must continue to work together to achieve more,” he explained.

Apart from the passage of the 2024 SWDC Bill, Bamidele revealed that the federal government had approved the dualization of the Ado-Ekiti-Ikere-Akoko road, a 31-kilometer highway that connects Ekiti State to the Federal Capital Territory through Ondo, Edo, and Kogi States.

He also cited the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a 700-kilometer project that will run from Victoria Island, Lagos, to Calabar, Cross River, which, according to him, would unlock limitless opportunities across the economic belt when completed.

The highway, according to him, will pass through Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and terminate in Cross River. The award of contract for the 258-kilometer three-lane carriageway, a component of the 1000-kilometer Sokoto/Badagry Superhighway, will be a game changer not just for the South-West but also for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He, therefore, commended all members of the South West Caucus for their steadfastness during this process, noting that the unity in the rank of the caucus ensured that the geo-political zone did not lose out in the leadership dynamics of the 10th Assembly.

We have stood firmly with the leadership of the National Assembly, especially when plots were being hatched to bring the leadership into disrepute. We remained united behind the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and his Deputy, Jubrin Barau, even when there were unfounded allegations of budget padding.

“The South West Caucus remains a stabilizing force in the Senate. Our zone has also received fair recognition in the leadership of the Senate. I am honored to serve as the Senate Leader, while in the House of Representatives, we occupy the Chief Whip’s seat and other high-ranking positions.

This extends to key committee leadership roles, which further amplifies our influence in national decision-making,” the Senate leader reeled out the achievements of the caucus with admiration.

He noted that the South West Caucus “has remained committed to President Tinubu’s reform agenda, particularly in the areas of security and economic recovery.

“We gave expeditious attention to the screening of the President’s nominees for various political positions, demonstrating our collective desire for the quick implementation of his transformative policies. We will continue to support his reforms as he steers the country towards prosperity and stability.”

He warned that the South-West Assembly should not be a one-off event, recommending the need to institutionalize the platform for regular interaction between APC stakeholders at both the legislative and executive levels.

Such meetings, according to the Senate leader, will strengthen our unity and help us align our goals for the good of the region and the country.

He equally commended the cordial relationship between the South-West governors and members of the National Assembly from the South West.

Bamidele said this cooperation “is key to the success of our shared agenda for development. Let us continue to foster this relationship and work together for the greater good.”

He further pledged the continued support of the South West APC Caucus “to President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda. We will work tirelessly to support him and our party at all levels, ensuring that we leave a legacy of growth, peace, and progress in Nigeria.

“Let us remain steadfast and united as we build on the foundation laid by our predecessors and chart a path of continued success for our people and future generations,” Bamidele explained.