By Jonas Ezieke, Abuja
07038842740
Hon. Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi is a lawyer, politician and civil rights advocate whose public career has been defined by a strong commitment to community development, social justice and people-oriented representation. He currently serves as a member of the House of Representatives, representing the Oshodi-Isolo II Federal Constituency of Lagos State in the 10th National Assembly. He was elected in 2023 on the platform of the Labour Party.
The cerebral politician was a member of the Labour Party and most recently the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), where he is seeking for re-election to continue his good works in the Oshodi/Isolo II Federal Constituency, where he has been serving his constituents and the entire Nigeria since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly on June 13, 2023.
Born on March 19, 1972, Onuakalusi’s academic and professional background is rooted in the humanities and law. He studied English and Literary Studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, before obtaining a Bachelor of Laws degree from the same institution. He subsequently attended the Nigerian Law School in Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar. His legal training has significantly influenced his approach to public service, particularly his interest in human rights, justice and accountability.
Before venturing into politics, Onuakalusi was a prominent civil rights activist and legal practitioner. He served as the Chairman of Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON) in Lagos State and was a member of Advocate Africa.
Hon. Onuakalusi has been a strong advocate for education, empowerment, employment and access to clean water. He has sponsored several bills aimed at improving the lives of his constituents and larger society. These include a Bill for an Act to Establish the Vocational and Entrepreneurship Institute Okota/Oshodi Lagos State; a Bill for an Act to Establish the Civil Rights and Welfare Commission for the Protection of Children’s Right and Other Related Matters thereto, 2023 and A Bill for an Act to Establish Functional Library and E-Library in all the 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria.
Hon. Okey Joe has executed and facilitated numerous development and empowerment projects including the construction of several boreholes, registration of free JAMB forms at Constituency Office 2, Oshodi-Isolo; Construction of a Block of Classrooms at Oke-Afa Junior Grammar School, Jakande Estate, Ejigbo and distribution of desks, books and writing materials to schools in Oshodi-Isolo while his health initiatives include three-day free medical outreach programme at power multipurpose hall opposite Atinuke Plaza, Okota Road with over 5,000 people as beneficiaries.
At the National Assembly, Onuakalusi has participated in legislative activities covering areas including public accountability, education, infrastructure, petroleum resources, insurance, housing, steel, power and foreign affairs. Parliamentary records also show his involvement in petitions and motions concerning issues such as human rights, public utilities and institutional accountability.
Beyond legislation, his representation has focused strongly on constituency development. His office highlights interventions in potable water, education, youth skills acquisition, employment and empowerment. Among the projects cited are the rehabilitation and construction of boreholes in communities within Oshodi-Isolo, provision of educational materials to public schools, youth skills programmes and empowerment initiatives for women and young people.
He is currently the Chairman of the Nigeria United States of America Parliamentary Friendship, Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Internal Security and has sponsored several bills with direct impact on his constituents and Nigerians at large numbering over 48 notably the Local Industry Patronage Bill 2024 aimed at promoting Nigerian made goods and services, the Nigerian Drivers Welfare Bill aimed at dignifying the driving profession and caring for their welfare, the Process Regulatory and Monitoring Bill for goods and services in Nigeria, alteration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended to remove the appointment of INEC Chairman from the President of Nigeria, Central Bank of Nigeria Act to have Chairman of the board of CBN separate from the Governor of the CBN, Bill to convert the 37 Area Councils of Lagos State to full fledged Local Government Councils and others.
The outspoken federal lawmaker has also co-sponsored some good number of Bills and about 27 Motions. Some of the Bills that have undergone the Legislative actions in various stages as indicated include the Federal Vocational and Entrepreneurship Institute, Okota Lagos State (Establishment) Bill, Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education Bill passed by the House and transmitted to the Senate for concurrence; Child Rights and Welfare Commission (Establishment) Bill 2023, Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill 2023 and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (Amendment) Bill 2023 among other impactful legislations.
Hon. Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi therefore represents a blend of legal advocacy, grassroots politics and parliamentary engagement. His journey from the legal profession and civil rights activism to the National Assembly reflects a broader commitment to using public office as an instrument for social intervention and community development. As his political career continues to evolve, his record in legislation, constituency service and advocacy will remain central to assessing his contribution to democratic representation in Nigeria.
For a better society
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