By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka
The National Assembly South West Caucus on Sunday celebrated Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti as he attained the age of 100, describing the elder statesman as a dogged defender of Yoruba interests whose vision for Nigeria is gradually coming to fruition.
The Caucus, which comprises all federal lawmakers from the South-West, said Pa Fasoranti’s long-held expectations for a truly recalibrated federal governance structure are beginning to materialize through ongoing legislative reforms.
Chairman of the Caucus and Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, paid tribute to the centenarian in a statement released by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs on Sunday.
Bamidele described Fasoranti as one of the last surviving disciples of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and an embodiment of humility who fought valiantly for the birth of the Fourth Republic.
He said Fasoranti perfectly embodies the Yoruba values of Omoluabi: honour, integrity, leadership and selflessness. In the Second Republic, Bamidele noted, Fasoranti served without blemish in the government of Pa Adekunle Ajasin, delivering dividends of governance to the people of old Ondo State.
The Senate Leader recalled that Fasoranti was also one of the loudest voices that spoke fearlessly against military dictatorship after the Second Republic and ceaselessly demanded the restoration of democratic rule, an effort that culminated in the birth of the Fourth Republic on May 29, 1999.
Even after 1999, Bamidele said, Fasoranti’s expectations for a greater, more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria never waned. He has continued to offer guidance to leaders at national and subnational levels while championing calls for an equitable, fair and just governance structure that serves all Nigerians.
Bamidele stated that federal lawmakers from the South-West are conscious of Fasoranti’s expectations for a recalibrated federation that is peaceful at home, potent on the continent and resilient globally. The entire National Assembly, he added, is working to recraft the federal structure to be more competitive, efficient and productive.
“We are glad to report that all these aspirations have started coming to fruition while Baba is still alive,” Bamidele said. He highlighted ongoing constitutional amendments, including plans to introduce state police before the end of the 10th National Assembly as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
The Caucus also pointed to the enactment of laws creating regional development commissions to address infrastructure deficits and drive growth across geo-political zones. Bamidele said an efficient fiscal regime has been created to support seamless implementation of initiatives promising a better Nigeria.
For attaining 100 years with sound mind and unfailing memory, Bamidele said, Fasoranti’s life attests to God’s favour. He praised the Afenifere leader for staying committed to Nigeria’s cause through thick and thin and championing the quest for a greater, more prosperous nation.
“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.
