WHAT IS DIMEJI BANKOLE UP TO? For a man his age, in the turbulent waters of the Nigerian politics, Dimeji Bankole is surprisingly becoming somewhat of an enigma in many respects. Politics in Nigeria being mostly characterised by frenzied activities with occasional bursts of violence and mayhem; one where politicians are largely of the boisterous breed, given to much grandstanding and loquacious vivacity that continuously shadows the true purpose of democratic institutions. It would have been expected that for this young man, age would have been a serious handicap, given that he is swimming in the same rather challenging waters along with such daunting ancient colossi as the former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Chief Gbenga Daniel, the incumbent governor Ibikunle Amosu, to mention but few – most of whom have been in the game for decades before Dimeji Bankole was born. Men as old as the history of Nigeria itself; these are seasoned gladiators with weathered scars from countless battles, well-horned political and financial arsenal and an extensive army of loyalists and connections home and abroad. Yet, his youthfulness has been a major factor that is making some people ill-at-ease and personally offended by his quiet doggedness, effectiveness and growing influence. Surprisingly, Dimeji Bankole has yet remained a critical factor in the politics of Ogun State and Nigeria even though he often finds himself swimming at perilously opposing tides with these men, interestingly, often-times, yet within the same party. Along with Farouk Lawan and others, their stance for probity and accountability in the Etteh saga took them on a collision path against then President Obasanjo and other party elders who stood solidly behind Etteh. A stance both young vibrant house members paid dearly for when the EFCC was later unleashed on them with the fuel subsidy scam involving Farouk Lawan, and the alleged financial impropriety charges against Dimeji Bankole as speaker of a predominantly PDP House of Representatives. An onslaught he survived, albeit with some serious life lessons – but yet with his dignity intact. What does this young man has working for him? In his typical poised leisurely steps and ever present warm boyish smile, Dimeji Bankole hardly strikes the familiar pose of your average politician. Soft-spoken, calm and welcoming, he exudes an air of reassuring warmth and humility that endears the people to his ambience of friendliness and generosity. Hence the popular accolade of “eleyinju aanu” (the kindhearted), with many already likening him to the legendary generosity of the late chief MKO Abiola of fond memories – a character similarity that a good number of respected monarchs and Yoruba leaders can readily attest to. In spite of his warmth, Dimeji bankole still manages a cool quiet reserve and impenetrable guard over details of his private life. A fact that his political detractors continuously employs to fabricate uncharitable rumors and speculations about his marital status, his stylish affluent lifestyle and political affiliations, all without achieving the desired result of ruffling his cool calm composure. If only they knew that there’s more to a name. His middle name – Sobur, derived from one of the attributes of Allah; As-Sobur – The Patient, surely must account for something. An attribute he continuously displays in the face of enemy attacks as they spread rumors after rumors to discredit his personality and create confusion and apathy among his friends and loyalists. Makes one wonder why so much paranoia about this young man? Why are some people so keen on scrutinizing every detail of his life and preempting his every move? The son of Chief Alani Bankole, a businessman and consummate politician – Oladimeji Sabur Bankole had a good connection with his roots from childhood, starting his early education among his Egba natives at Baptist High School before traveling for further studies at Albany College, London, University of Reading, Reading, University of Oxfords Officer Training College, Oxford, England, and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he obtained a professional certificate in Public Finance among other academic laurels – clear pointers to Dimeji’s passion for learning and intellectual development. Yet, on returning to the country from study abroad, he displayed shrewd business acumen in his handling of various family business concerns and other national assignments before venturing into politics. This has also not escaped the prying eyes of those who are simply uncomfortable of the prospects of having such a focused and highly cerebral young man at the corridors of power that they consider to be their sole prerogative. And just like the EFCC saga, the much furor about his NYSC status, the media hype about details of his military service in the British army and other foreign studies and qualifications, many attempts were made to rubbish the many achievements of Dimeji Bankole as the youngest ever speaker in the history of the 4th republic and rub his name in mud. Yet, it remains indelibly etched in history that for the first time under his leadership as Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole ensured the return of about 1 trillion naira unspent funds by Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as part of the annual budgetary process. Up until then, unspent funds were never accounted for in the budget process. Through his experience as a shrewd businessman and expertise as economist and professional training as public finance specialist, he uncovered revenues generated by MDAs totaling about 5 trillion naira that were never remitted to national coffers. Under the leadership of Dimeji Bankole, the House of Representatives witnessed arguably the most productive years of the 4th republic with several landmark bills scaling through to become law. These include the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and the Fiscal Responsibility Act which ensured that all revenue-generating MDAs like the CBN, NNPC, Customs, etc., present their budgets for scrutiny every year, unlike before where they spent trillions of naira yearly without appropriation by the National Assembly. Even as he remained committed to his very busy schedule and other demands of his national assignment as the Speaker, he yet ensured that his primary constituency in Abeokuta South Federal Constituency and the entire people of Ogun State felt the impact of his tenure, even where this often draw much unsavory reactions from the then governor. Without concern for such inconsequential details as who takes the glory for its commissioning, Dimeji Bankole worked assiduously for the completion of the Sango – Abeokuta road and bridge. His interventions resulted in the inundation of the Federal Medical Center with several capital projects that saw the center elevated from its old moribund state to a functional health center befitting of its stature. For a young man who has brought this much progress to his country and his people, and evidently much loved in return, why would anyone be so keen on painting an unpleasant image of him? Why have some people been having sleepless nights by every trivial move he makes? Why has his genuine intentions and purported “ambition” suddenly become a subject of state-wide import, enough to warrant the enrolment of an army of media propagandists? But they need not be so disturbed. Dimeji Bankole has not changed from the disciplined, focused and value-driven young man that he used to be. That is why he has continuously displayed self-restraints from joining issues with anyone both from within and outside the PDP. All that has ever occupied his mind is how to ensure that the good people of Ogun State and the nation get a better deal of every situation. And for this mission, he has been consulting widely to secure the unification of feuding party members along the common grounds of service and the delivery of true dividends of democracy to the people. For anyone who sincerely mean well for the good people of Ogun State, there really should not be any doubt in their minds about what the man – Dimeji Sobur Bankole is up to. And he welcomes all – friends and foe alike, to join him in seeking a better deal for the true development of the State and its people. DIMEJI BANKOLE 2015...... O ti se se!!
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 13:44:12 +0000
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