Ekiti/OkeEro/Irepodun/Isin 2027: Bankole, a contender, urges proactive approach to tackling rising crime rates

Kehinde Alex Bankole, one of 11 aspirants vying for the National Assembly seat for the Ekiti/Oke Ero/Irepodun/Isin federal constituency in Kwara State under the APC platform, boasts an impressive background, having served as a pioneer member of the Kwara State House of Assembly Commission from 2019 to 2022, which enacted the 'Assembly Autonomy Law'.

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Bankole, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police and seasoned businessman with expertise in real estate and construction management, recently shared his vision and mission with newsmen in Ilorin, discussing issues such as insecurity in the federal constituency.

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The Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke Ero constituency in Kwara State, Nigeria, faces numerous challenges, including a significant infrastructure deficit, characterized by poor road conditions, inadequate healthcare facilities, and insufficient educational resources, as well as security concerns like kidnappings and insecurity.

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Additionally, the constituency has been marginalized, seeking greater representation in the House of Representatives after 28 years without a seat, and grappling with issues like unemployment and poverty, limited economic opportunities, and a lack of youth empowerment initiatives.

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To address these challenges, Bankole has proposed solutions such as Inclusive Governance, ensuring representation and involvement of all stakeholders in decision-making, as well as youth empowerment initiatives like farming schemes and the 'Go Corporate Initiative' to equip youths with skills and resources.

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He also plans to prioritize infrastructure development, focusing on projects to improve roads, healthcare, and education, and implement security measures to strengthen security agencies and community engagement, preventing crimes and addressing the current security issues in the area.

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Bankole emphasized the importance of collaboration between National Assembly members and the executive governor in attracting development to states, suggesting regular dialogue, joint project planning, resource mobilization, and community engagement as key strategies.

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As an aspirant for the Ekiti/Oke Ero/Isin/Irepodun federal constituency, Bankole aims to differentiate himself from his predecessors by being more accessible and responsive to the people, prioritizing regular Town Hall meetings, maintaining a strong online presence, and pushing for projects that benefit the local economy.

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He also pledged to ensure transparency in governance and accountability, recognizing that his predecessors have done great work, but believing it's time for a fresh approach.

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In tackling the menace of insecurity in Kwara South district, Bankole suggested a multifaceted approach, including community engagement, intelligence gathering, youth empowerment, and public awareness campaigns to educate people on security best practices and report suspicious activities.

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He also proposed collaboration with non-governmental organizations focused on security and community development to provide additional resources and expertise, leveraging his experience as a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police to make a meaningful impact.

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Assessing the legislative houses in Nigeria since the First Republic, Bankole noted that their track record in addressing poverty-related issues is mixed, with various governments launching numerous programs, but often hindered by poor governance, corruption, and lack of continuity.

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He acknowledged that legislative houses have made some efforts, such as passing the National Minimum Wage Act and establishing committees to oversee poverty alleviation initiatives, but emphasized the need for more effective implementation and coordination of poverty reduction strategies.

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Bankole believes he is better prepared to secure the National Assembly seat due to his unique blend of experience, skills, and vision, and his preparation is focused on what's best for the role and the people of his constituency.

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He urged party leadership and stakeholders to prioritize merit and competence over personal connections in selecting a credible candidate for the National Assembly seat, emphasizing the need for someone with integrity, vision, and a deep understanding of the community's needs.

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Bankole's legislative agenda for his constituency includes addressing key challenges, such as amending the 1999 Constitution, updating the Electoral Act, ensuring effective allocation of funds, supporting economic empowerment initiatives, and strengthening national security and promoting community-based peacebuilding.

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He also plans to push for increased transparency and accountability in budget implementation, particularly regarding constituency projects, which currently face concerns over alleged misuse and inefficiency, to drive meaningful change and represent his community's interests effectively.