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BY BOLAJI AFOLABI

August last year, somewhere around the Wuse 2 District, Abuja; which has virtually turned to a massive business area hosted a birthday party in honour of a former lawmaker. The event, held at lunchtime was attended by about three dozen legislators; past and present, entrepreneurs, friends, associates, and others. While the party went on, somebody walked in quietly, with no airs, not chaperoned by any security personnel; as is common with most of our influential personalities and highly-placed officials. A few minutes later, the compere introduced the “discreet, and largely anonymous” person as Rt. Hon. Chinda Kingsley, Minority Leader in the House of Representatives. Surprised, a middle-aged real estate consultant sitting on the same table with the writer, whispered; Is this true? This man looks simple, ordinary, and too free.” This elicited a few comments, commentary, and compliments among those around the table.

This encapsulates Chinda Kingsley, the focus of this piece. From observations, he lives a well-cultured and non-complicated life. He is unobtrusive and not all-knowing in his interactions and relationships with people. Genial and gentle, he is a perfect specimen of humility and humanity. For him, life and living are better when you stay simple, ordinary and  avoid complications. Unconventional in operations, and sensitive in every of his dealings with people. A journalist friend who has been covering the Legislature for over two decades confirmed that, “while many of his colleagues loves being called ‘Honourable’ or ‘Right Honourable’ affixed to their names, Chinda prefers and insists on the usage of “Rep” short form of ‘Representative.’ He remains lissome and limpid in matters that have to do with good governance, legislative resourcefulness, national development, and general well-being of the ordinary people. He exemplifies grit and resilience in the fight against injustice, oppression, subjugation, and suppression of the common man. He remains an unequivocal and unapologetic believer in equity, fairness, inclusivity, and social justice.

Chinda is a trailblazer in legislative service. He was first elected into the House of Representatives in 2011, to represent the good people of Obio-Akpor federal constituency. He has achieved an unprecedented milestone by being re-elected four consecutive times; 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023. He remains the first and only lawmaker to enjoy the enviable record in his constituency and Rivers state. That his constituents have consistently invested their respective electoral franchise in him as their representative is an eloquent statement of recognition, acceptance, and performance. Between 2011 and now, he has recorded impressive legislative achievements in various roles and positions. In the 7th Assembly, as the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Customs, he played a pivotal role in overseeing and reforming customs operations, contributing to enhanced revenue generation. Elevated to Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee in the 8th Assembly, he spearheaded the automation of records, ensuring transparency and accountability in public financial management.

Though he was not given any leadership position in the 9th Assembly, largely due to his principled stance, and adherence to the party’s directive on the Speakership position, he was very active and intentional; whenever he had opportunities to contribute to debates. His power of advocacy, fight for the down trodden, and improved service delivery by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) were vigorously pursued and passionately canvassed during Oversight functions, and necessary interface with the Executive arm of government. Recognizing his leadership qualities, his colleagues unanimously elected him as the Minority Leader of the 10th Assembly. This, represents yet another trail-blazing, and well-deserved elevation. He is the first from the “Treasure Base” state to occupy such a position. As the Leader of Opposition, he continues to advocate for democratic principles and robust legislative processes. Operating an all-inclusive, and all-embracing policy, he prefers a collegiate leadership in managing the affairs of the Minority Caucus; clear departure from past experiences.

In his capacity as the Minority Leader, Chinda has been a vocal advocate for transparent and accountable governance. He has called for timely submission of budget estimates to the National Assembly, emphasizing the importance of thorough legislative scrutiny in the interest of the Nigerian people. Additionally, he has urged robust, and positive-yielding deliberations on tax reform bills, assuring that any clauses detrimental to public welfare will be addressed, and reflecting his commitment to policies that serve the common good. Also, Chinda has been forthright, committed, and consistent in deepening democracy. His recent motion to probe the spending of bailout and take-off grants by MDAs highlights his dedication to transparency and accountability in governance. His character, capacity, and competence have made him an invaluable asset to Nigeria’s legislature. His profound understanding of legislative issues and practices has elevated representation to greater heights, and inspiring impactful contributions to national development.   His courageous and progressive approach to issues have solidified his reputation as one of the most respected members of the National Assembly.

Championing constituency development and empowerment, Chinda’s commitment to uplifting the overall living standards of the good people of Obio-Akpor federal constituency is evident through numerous initiatives. Geared towards improving the quality of life, the interventions which cuts across different sectors have remained beneficial primarily to his constituents, and people from contiguous communities and the state. On consistent bases, he facilitates yearly distribution of free JAMB forms; provides financial assistance for school fees for deserving and indigent students; provision of desks, chairs, and other furnitures; construction of buildings; capacity building and re-training programmes for teachers; and other interventions towards promoting educational advancement. Regular healthcare initiatives that includes different medical outreach programmes and interventions; facilitating institutional assistance and personal financial support to some patients that require comprehensive medical attention; and other interventions towards ensuring accessible healthcare services for his constituents.

Recognizing the importance of self-reliance, he organizes various skills acquisition and entrepreneurship training programmes in ICT; welding; snail farming; fashion designing; hair dressing; barbing and more towards equipping individuals with valuable skills that would help self sustainance and ignite their entrepreneurial development. He has been deliberate and intentional towards infrastructural development of the constituency. Through the provision of solar street lightings; interventions in the environments; and similar initiatives, there are visible and concrete measures geared towards communal development. Through the OK Chinda Youth AgriBusiness and Food Security Initiative (OYAFSI), many constituents are (still) trained to explore the various value chains towards emerging as successful entrepreneurs. Periodic competitions in table tennis, and few other sports are organized (and planned) to explore, develop, and deepen the potentials of youths. Additionally, the various constituency empowerment programmes which cuts across different vocations, and trade includes distribution of buses and tricycles; facilitation of grants, and financial support to semi and informal groups and individuals, as well as some other initiatives.

Described variously as forthright, sincere, and tolerant, Chinda embodies the virtues of loyalty and friendship. Reputed for his knack for hard work, and selfless sacrifices towards the  development of colleagues, he can be described as a paragon of integrity and excellence. A deeply detribalized personality with friends from different parts of the country, he is loved by many people within and without the National Assembly, and Rivers state. Corroborating, Hon. Dum Dekor, Chairman, Rivers state Caucus in the House declared that, “he is such a sacrificial and selfless person. He goes out of his way towards ensuring that his colleagues get the best.” Hon.Solomon Bob, Chairman, Committee on Capital Market &  Institutions declared that, “he has made very impactful contributions to the career growth of many people.” For Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, Deputy Chairman, Committee on Agriculture Production & Services, “no word is big enough to describe Leader. He is extremely accessible, transparent and accountable. In spite his intelligence and brilliance, he gives room for other opinions on any matter.”

While Barrister Abdu Mahmud, a friend eulogized Chinda as, “a very good man, whose  commitment to true friendship, and loyalty to shared vision is always encouraging,” Rimamnde Shawulu, Chief Executive Officer, Ndeya TV & Radio, said, “that Chinda is respected and loved by many people is not a misnomer. Simply put: he has attributes that stand him out.” For TeeJay Yusuf, Managing Director, 2511 Limited, “he is a distinguished personality whose unwavering dedication and exemplary service to friends, constituency, state, and nation have been profoundly impactful.” Hon. Emman Ekon believes, “not many people can be as tolerant, kindhearted, and committed to friendship like Chinda.”

On the occasion of the birthday of a legislative collossus whose life, and politics exemplifies service, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of the society, we pray that his journey continues to inspire. Also, we wish that his contributions leave an indelible mark on the path towards a more progressive, prosperous, and just nation.

Happy Birthday; Leader!!!

* BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja.