The Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Rep Babajimi Benson has stated that the praises amd commendations he receives from residents of Ikorodu is an impetus to make him do better, in delivering democratic dividends to his constituents.
Benson stated this on the sidelines of an inspection tour of some of the on-going project sites in his federal constituency.
Benson specifically visited the Lucky Fiber -Laketu Link Road in Ikorodu North LCDA. He expressed satisfaction with the level of work done so far, while promising that the project would be delivered within the project timeline.
In his word, Benson said, ‘It is a privilege to be serving the very good people of the Ikorodu federal constituency. I am the servant, I believe that I am not an authority over them. They are the authority over me. So my job is to ensure that I put smiles on their faces at any time. So whenever a request comes, it is a further challenge that I have to dig in’.
‘I am a solution provider, so I don’t like excuses. I like to attend various requests as best as I can. I have a sense of responsibility, so if I go and canvass for votes and I say I will do ABCDE. I will have to ensure that I do it, so it is fulfilling the promises’, he added.
Speaking further, Benson stated that his words and promises during the campaigns were his bonds.
‘They say, promise made, promise kept. So, if I go and canvas for votes and I promise the constituency that I will do ABC, and by God’s grace, I have to use all the tools in my brain on how to achieve those promises’.
The federal lawmaker equally revealed how his ability to effectively leverage and lobby his networks has been of great assistance to him.
‘If I have to go and lobby to find where I will get projects. I am the Chairman of the Committee on Defence. I know the SGD Woman and the Speaker. I know different people. I worked in LSDPC, I know, Mr. Governor, I know Mr. President and fortunately. Ikorodu Division gave the highest votes in the last election so that should count as something’.
For instance, anytime I put anything before Mr President, I bet he will direct the agency to do something and it is always approved. Like I said, success is a collection of relationships and I have relationships here and there’.
The Ikorodu born Lawmaker also stated that, it is difficult to relax if you are a politician in Nigeria today, because the citizens are very aware, they are watching everything you do.
Benson also spoke on his Mentors and how they inspired him to exceed expectations in public service.
‘Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is my mentor. My late Dad was also my mentor. Like I always say, he also made me have the fear of God and he developed in me the capacity to give generously. He made me a kind hearted person. My mom is a mom indeed. All the prayers, all the advice and wisdom comes from her’, he noted.
