Ogun federal lawmakers must support Abiodun to succeed ― Adeola Sosanwo

In this interview with the media, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Hon. Adeola Sosanwo speaks on varied topical issues especially Ogun State politics insisting that Governor Dapo Abiodun has done well to deserve another term in office.

The opposition party in the state recently came out to say, among other criticisms, that the government of Prince Dapo Abiodun has not lived up to expectations and does not deserve to govern the state beyond May 2023. What is your take on this?

Talk, they say, is cheap and that was exactly what the opposition recently exhibited in the state. I say this because the government of Prince Dapo Abiodun has been fantastic with governance since he came on board on May 29, 2019. The governor has been focused and quite strategic about his approach to issues of governance. He came in as a successful entrepreneur in oil and gas industry with a wide range of experience in administration and management of resources.

He has demonstrated so much competence and intelligence in governance touching every sector. He is an Apostle of continuity in governance given how he has picked up some of the abandoned road projects started by his predecessor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and completed them. These include the Kuto dual carriage way, the ongoing Adigbe road, among others. The governor has just reconstructed Abeokuta-Siun Sagamu expressway; the Epe-Ijebu Ode is also nearing completion.

He has equally constructed feeder roads such as the Elite road, Abeokuta; Vespa road, Ifo; Navy-AIT road, Sango; Oba Erinwole road, Sagamu, among at least 200 other roads that he has either fixed or are ongoing across the state. He is doing so much in the area of education too with the construction of over 2000 classrooms; the yellow roof school buildings are also all over the state.

People talk of a rift between Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Governor Dapo Abiodun, with insinuation that it could destroy the ruling party. What do you say about this?

The reported rift between Dapo Abiodun and the former governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel is nothing but outright speculation; a figment of the imagination of those peddling the lie and may be another propaganda from the opposition. The report remains unfounded and baseless. The two political leaders have been associates and friends for a very long time and their relationship had been stronger as OGD joined the ruling party to team up with Governor Abiodun in lifting the state higher. People should just stop talking about things that do not exist; they should not create a wedge between the two leaders.

How do you assess the inputs of our federal lawmakers in the last two years?

Really times are hard when we look at the financial situation of the country but in the midst of all these, some of our lawmakers have tried to better the lot of our people. A good example is Honorable Adesegun Abdulmajid Adekoya, fondly called Attacker, representing Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside Federal constituency at the House of Representatives and may be a few other ones.

However, for the Ogun East here, aside the lofty contributions of Attacker, much cannot be said of other federal lawmakers including our representatives at the Senate. We all can see what others are doing in other states like Oyo, Lagos and Rivers. Our lawmakers must wake up, they have not done enough. Ogun East lawmakers are not supporting the governor, they have rather been moving around campaigning for second term, yet they have nothing to show for their first time in office. The people will decide when the time comes.

Rumour has it that the Agro-Cargo airport been abandoned. Any news on it?

 That’s another wicked lie. This is a project that is going to have great impact on the economic growth and prosperity of Ogun State. Work is going on there steadily and the runway is being constructed; very soon, the asphalt laying will commence. Once the runway is done, it’s like the project is half way and being a stakeholder, I go there regularly and I can assure you that the first phase of the Agro-Cargo Airport should be ready by October next year. The project is very dear to the governor’s heart and he’s working round the clock to ensure that the first phase is completed as scheduled.

What are your plans as we approach 2023?

Yes, I am a politician, but I keep saying this, that I am first a technocrat before being a politician. Before I joined the Senate race for Ogun East in 2019, I have always supported the government of the day. I am never over-ambitious. For now, my priority is to support Governor Dapo Abiodun to continue his good works beyond 2023. Since I joined APC from PDP, many have been saying: ‘what have they now given you, you better come back to where we appreciate you’ and all that. I have always let them realise that I am not the type of politician that jumps from one party to another. My ultimate goal is to support Governor Dapo Abiodun to succeed beyond 2023 and as someone who believes so much in leadership, if the governor now says ‘go for the Senate or House of Representatives,’ I will be willing to serve my people in any capacity.

What’s your view about the agitations that the presidency should return to the South?

My view may be totally different, even against the stand of our party here in the South. Let me ask you: we have had Presidents from the South, what did the South benefit? We have equally had from the North, what has the North benefitted too? I don’t really care where the next President comes from but the person must be competent, dynamic and must have records. My view is that our next president could come from any part of the country as long as he has the requisite leadership qualities. I stand with competency and ability, rather than for any other thing. Let the right person be there.

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