Hon. Ben Roland Igbakpa, member representing Ethiope Federal Constituency at the National Assembly has stated that the good people of Ethiope Federal Constituency will resist and defeat the imposition of mediocrity on them.
Hon. Igbakpa, who is believed to be the most vibrant and accessible of the three House of Representatives members from Delta Central Senatorial District made the statement when the Activist Rex Anighoro-led Civil Society Network for Citizens Engagement, Credible Elections and Good Governance (CSNCE2GG) visited to engage with him on his aspirations at his Asaba residence.
Speaking at the engagement, Activist Rex Anighoro appreciated the legislator for the willingness to engage with the civil society. He stated that Hon. Ben Igbakpa is a pro-people legislator and an epitome of excellence, who is well loved across Delta State regardless of political affiliation.
He is loved by countless young Deltans who see him as a role model in political leadership and governance. He noted that the accessibility of the legislator and willingness to mentor the next generation has endeared him to many Deltans who are ready to campaign massively and transfer their voting rights to Ethiope Federal Constituency just to vote for him.
Speaking further, Activist Rex Anighoro affirmed that Hon. Ben Igbakpa is a man of immense character and integrity who is equally accessible, available and highly impactful to his constituents and Deltans beyond his designated constituency.
Continuing he said, “Honourable Ben Igbakpa is one political leader who takes every available opportunity to engage with citizens.
According to him, “I have held several citizens’ interactive events on Zoom, and it is always a departure from the norm when Hon. Ben Igbakpa shows up at many of these meetings just like an ordinary citizen.
“No special invitation, no class disparity, and he always enlightens the house on legislative processes, as well as the position of the house on pertinent issues. He is a talakawa champion who uses every engagement to report on his activities to his people.”
Activist Rex Anighoro also said that he believes Hon. Ben Igbakpa has forged a very strong partnership with young people and with the civil society, and as such, deserving of their support in strengthening leadership development and the pursuit of advancing the civic space.
When asked by Activist Rex Anighoro on his manifesto, achievements and what more should the good people of Ethiope Federal Constituency expect from him at the Green chambers, Hon Ben Igbakpa presented copies of his manifesto with the following remarks, ” I want to go back to the green chambers to continue to put the good people of Ethiope in positive light, to showcase our quality as a people of excellence in a global marketplace where mediocrity will not be sold and bought.
“I want to make laws of global value with local impact on my people, I want to make Ethiope Federal Constituency a reference constituency in legislative business but all these will depend on the delegates. I pray the delegates will vote for excellence over mediocrity.”
Hon. Igbakpa stated that as a first term member of the House of Representatives, he has performed excellently both in and outside the green chambers. Having sponsored several bills that are now laws, he has continued to strive for the welfare of the people of Ethiope Federal Constituency.
He stated that he has given vibrant representation, respectability and visibility to the good people of Ethiope Federal Constituency both nationally and globally and it was therefore up to the delegates to decide either to reward performance which is known and guaranteed, or to sign up for the untested with no guarantees, the choice was theirs to make.
Amb. Augusta Impact Keneboh who was part of the civil society delegation stated that her experience in monitoring projects executed by elected political leaders has shown that Hon. Ben Igbakpa is a man who ensures that his constituents are beneficiaries of government good intentions.
Speaking also, Activist John Izobo of the Delta State Civil Society Volunteers, said that Hon. Ben Igbakpa should be voted for by the delegates, and that it will be unfortunate for the good people of Ethiope Federal Constituency and Delta State to see that a performer is not returned.
He further stated that his own organisation has adopted and endorsed Hon. Ben Igbakpa because they believe that Ethiope Federal Constituency by electing Hon Igbakpa has set the pace, and should continue to show a better way, noting that if the vibrancy of Igbakpa is replicated across all legislative positions, Delta will be better for it.
