THESE days, people go into politics only because they have the financial means. Is that the reason you seek to represent Irepo/Oorelope/Olorunsogo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives?
I am happy to tell you that I am not going into politics because I have the financial means, and in any case, I do not have it. My motivation for going into politics has nothing to do with my financial status.
I am actually going into politics because of my desire to serve the people and to bring more development, federal presence and enlightenment to my people in Irepo/Olorunsogo/Oorelope constituents. Let me also tell you that the spirit of service to my people, which my father, Professor Dibu Ojerinde, has been known for all his life, also runs in me. The service of the people is always on my mind.
Having said that, any young Nigerian should be able to aspire for positions without thinking about financial muscles. Why do I have to be rich before I decide to serve my people? Why should any reasonable person go into politics because he has money? The “Not too young to rule” bill, which has been signed into law, gives opportunity to all young people to aspire for political positions and I think we should explore it.
Do you know the pressing needs of the constituency and how do you think you can urgently meet the needs, if you are elected?
Before offering to serve, I have interacted with the people and have taken a stock of their needs and desires in terms of physical and human developments. I also have a strong mechanism in place that helps to gather, verify and update data on how the constituency can be better and how its people can be better served.
Though time and space will not permit me to begin to list all these needs, let me quickly point out that my constituency is one of the most marginalised in Oyo State, if not the South-West, as there is zero federal presence. There is also a dearth of infrastructure. If elected, I intend to quickly make effort to fix these challenges by raising appropriating motions, sponsoring bills and collaborating with colleagues to bring development to the constituency.
On a personal level, I have a buoyant network of associates both in and out of the country who are always willing to listen to my ideas and are ready to partner with me on my projects and because of the business relationship and trust that we have built over a period of years, I trust and I assure you that they will support me all the way on projects to bring about the emancipation of my people.
This is why I believe strongly that if I have the platform as the member of the House of Representatives in addition to the support from my associates, I will be able to create massive job opportunities and ensure improvement in social amenities.
I will improve the educational opportunities, medical services and ensure basic infrastructural developments within the purview of a lawmaker.
It will also interest you to know that I have been building a steady link with other young politicians across the country and if I am elected, I intend to build more links and make more friends among the members representing other parts of the country and in various House committees so as to facilitate opportunities and benefits for my people.
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You are seeking the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a platform that already has many aspirants, are you confident of getting the ticket?
First, I want to tell you that there is no better platform to seek the votes of my people than the APC, because it is a party with good intentions and plans.
We must commend the effort of the present state government under Senator Abiola Ajimobi, which has transformed the state in all ramifications. It is the visionary leadership of the governor that has made the APC attractive to a lot of people and no one who sees what the governor has been doing will expect anything less.
If elected, I promise to build on what Governor Ajimobi has done for our state in conjunction with other members of Oyo State caucus in the National Assembly.
Second, there is a mutual agreement that House of Representatives seat of the constituency be rotated among the three local governments and it is now the turn of Oorelope where I come from.
We know that other local governments will allow the peaceful rotational arrangement and allow Oorelope to produce the next representative of the constituency. I would not have come out if it was not yet the turn of Oorelope, because I am a man of peace and order.
And to answer your question, I am confident I will get the ticket. I believe I will be given the opportunity to fly the flag of the APC because I am competent and as the Bible says, by their fruits you shall know them.
Though no one has the monopoly of knowledge, I believe I can better facilitate the development of the constituency as a whole by improving the standard of living in general.
With the support of my associates, my exposure and creativity, my tested business ability and my visionary tendency, I believe I am the best man for the job.
There is this insinuation that your emergence on the political scene would amount to ‘serving the father and the son,’ in reference to how your father, Professor Dibu Ojerinde’s personality looms large in the area. What is your view on this?
It is an irony for anyone to claim that the people served my father. Professor Ojerinde never contested an election; he was found worthy as a scholar and appointed in different capacities as a public servant.
My father was rather a servant of the people than a man that was served. His popularity was built on his contribution to the society. But I am willing to build on the legacy he has laid down.
My siblings and I give glory to God that our father gave us good education and discipline and I assure my people that I will continue to build on what he has achieved.
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