Home Interview INTERVIEW: Why Oyo APC Members Need To Unite Before 2023 — Ishola,...

INTERVIEW: Why Oyo APC Members Need To Unite Before 2023 — Ishola, Reps Aspirant

2263
0

Hon. Hamed Adewale Ishola, in this interview with OYOINSIGHT.COM publisher, Sikiru Akinola, speaks on the crisis in the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, his aspiration to represent Egbeda/Ona Ara federal constituency and the Governor Seyi Makinde administration. Excerpts: 

It is two years into the administration of Governor Makinde. What is your assessment?

Google search engine

As an Oyo State indigene, politics aside; I must commend the Governor on how he has handled major crises, critics and COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, the recent events in Tapa, Ibarapa North LG were shocking. But, GSM responded, made a statement and assured the people of Oyo that he will continue to do his best to keep Oyo safe as he referred to the newly formed security network, Amotekun that is meant to work hand in hand with the community, police force and the Governor Makinde’s administration. Believe it or not, I read GSM’s manifesto. I wanted to know more about him and what he stands for. So far, GSM has implemented some of the things and has achieved some of the manifesto goals. However, there are some promises that some people are voicing complaints that the governor’s administration is yet to fulfill. That is just politics for you. Most candidates make several promises and when elected, and end up facing reality as they come across red tapes and politics, not excluding the major payers from within with selfish ambitions and so on. In terms of governance and enhancing infrastructure, I’d say that GSM is not doing badly. Overall, there is definitely room for improvement; Rome was not built in a day. From one Oyo State man to another, I can only wish him good luck because at the end of the day, all of us want a better Oyo State.

Your party appears fractured in Oyo State. What do you think is the way out?

APC has become a political party that many want to associate with. Truthfully, there is no perfect political party. All parties have disagreements within it for several reasons that, in most cases can be easily resolved. Oyo APC needs to be honest of which all party leaders and former gubernatorial aspirants need to have a conversation, come together and have a strategic plan on how to keep the party together. Furthermore, any of the gubernatorial aspirants who emerges as the candidate should take it as the will of God and others should support whoever emerges during the primary election that will take place before 2023. There must be unity within the party on all levels. Without unity, Oyo APC will find it difficult in 2023 to succeed.

Do you think your party has what it takes to dislodge Makinde in 2023?

In my opinion, it depends on three things. One, it depends on how the masses and what the public feel about GSM. Second, it depends on Oyo APC and stakeholders’ position. Will the house be divided or united come 2022/2023? Third, it depends on God’s will. Man plans, but God makes the master plan.

You were asked to step down for incumbent member representing your federal constituency, Hon. Akin Alabi. Do you still have intention to contest Egbeda/Ona Ara federal constituency seat?

I believe it was more of a directive from the late former governor to all aspirants, including myself to withdraw from the race so that the aspirant that he and the party leaders chose prior to the primary election could emerge. This practice is also common in the western world, but it is done in an organized manner. So when I was asked to withdraw from the race, I gracefully accepted and respected the party supremacy, and announced that I will collapse my structure to support whoever emerges. As a natter of fact, the two other aspirants immediately made the former governor and party leaders aware that they would rather participate in the traditional primary election and allow the party members to vote for the candidate of their choice. To cut the story short, the rebuttal did not sit well with late former governor Abiola Ajimobi who immediately voiced his thoughts and the rationale behind the final decision that was made by the party leaders. We all knew how gifted Governor Ajimobi was when it came to speaking (laughs). May his soul continue to rest in peace.

Speaking of Egbeda/Ona Ara federal constituency, the incumbent Reps member, Hon. Akin Alabi and I are from the Egbeda local government, we belong to the same political party and we are friends. Hon. Alabi and I have had several discussions, both general and political, since he became a lawmaker. In due time, we will surely have a discussion in regards to both our political ambitions and future and how we can continue to maintain the united  culture in Egbeda LG. I am not desperate. If Hon. Alabi makes it known that he wants to seek re-election, he has my support. The sky is too wide for everyone to fly and there are obviously other political positions where I can be effective in serving my people.

Insecurity has taken over in Oyo State. Any solution you may want to suggest?

Speaking of insecurity, which is not unusual in most states in the federal republic of Nigeria today and in order for me to offer any solution, I must ask you and the general public of the root cause. Let us take a look into our communities today. Majority of Nigerians are living in poverty. Meaning that we need to create a robust and sustainable private sector across the nation because, clearly the public sector alone cannot change the socio-economic status of an average Nigerian. Pertaining to Oyo State, we need to be honest with ourselves. Is poverty really the cause of the recent hike in incidents and altercations of which have brought back memories of the pre-Ajimobi era? Or are these recent incidents related to political chess?

I don’t believe I have any suggestion besides stating the obvious. Oyo State security agencies need to enhance their system, with the continuous support of the executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde who believes that safety is paramount in our dear state. If you read GSM’s manifesto, most particularly page 98 where he states some of the challenges affecting security in Oyo and are as follows: “Insufficient manpower for the security agencies; Lack of conventional equipment for security agencies; Poor welfare for security agencies…” among others. It is no secret that he has taken vital steps in the attempt to keep Oyo safer. However, as the number one citizen in Oyo State, he must not relent and is obligated to continue to dialogue with all security agencies on how to keep Oyo State citizens safe. He might even have to use unconventional methods at his discretions to address and or engage the “group” of people that are behind the acts of violence that are making Oyo State citizens panicky during both the day and night times.

Ishola is a former house of representative aspirant, Egbeda/Ona Ara federal constituency. Born in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, he attended Mary Hill Convent School, Idi Ape where he completed his primary education. He proceeded to Methodist Grammar School, Ojurin Bodija. He is the founder of a non-profit organization; Gifted Hands Foundation Inc., USA, and Wally Walters Foundation, Nigeria.

Previous articleMakinde: I Did 4 COVID-19 Tests In Two Weeks
Next articleProfessor Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe: Our Shared Dream | Ayobami Salami

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here