It is no news that you want to contest in the forthcoming general elections, what informed your decision to be involved in Nigerian politics?
Nigerians need to be enlightened about the fact that Nigerian politics or politics in general doesn’t belong to selected people. We are in the world of democracy and everybody has to be involved in order to actualise a common growth. My venture into politics is genuine. It is painful that virtually all common men on the streets of Nigeria have become beggars. Nobody is confident of their future. It is saddening to see aged people turning into destitute in our country, when aged in other parts of the world are government’s responsibilities. Also, the younger generation, especially orphans are catered for by the government in order to be useful for themselves and their nations. But most politicians in this country only think about themselves and their pockets regardless of the masses that voted them into power. Our country lacks leadership that thinks about the right of its citizenry. These are some of the things that bother my heart, as well as made me to accept the call to join active politicking.
Why do you think this is the time to represent your constituency at the Federal House of Representatives?
With my exposure in the developed countries, I have had several opportunities to facilitate developmental projects for my country, especially state, but all have been to no avail as a result of unwarranted reasons by some elements. I felt all my efforts had no effect because I am not in the mainstream of politics. Also, the situation of things in my state and the country at large anytime I visit home baffle me. So, I decided to succumb to the clarion call to fully participate in politics to explore my dreams and aspirations for resourceful developments for my fatherland. Oluyole is nicknamed to be a rural area, whereas it is not. With my little exposure both rural and urban areas share equal right. There is no major difference and the government provided all necessary social amenities. I have realised that most Nigerian politicians are fun gathering exposures in other parts of the world for pleasures and not with the intention of using them to contribute to the growth of our nation. We cannot continue to fold our arms for this to continue. We need stand to correct the wrongs and we can only achieve this by getting involved to make a positive change to save our country from further deterioration. Personally, I am instrumental to the development of my country and I am ready to take the course to better lives and make a difference in policies implementation and good governance.
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If you eventually become the flag bearer of your party, what do you think would stand you out among other contenders?
I don’t want to be seen as flexing muscles. I know that I am a very committed person, as well as a goal getter. My political dream will not be an exception in-as-much as it is a call from God and the people. If God eventually count me worthy to represent my people at the Federal House of Representatives, I will ensure the execution of my agenda which include building a housing scheme and catering for all aged in my consistency and beyond. I will also establish an educational and vocational city that will enable young Nigerians have access to free education and vocational skills. The certificate of the institute will afford them the opportunity to access zero interest loans. On the other hand, politics has gone beyond political parties. It has to do with the individual’s pedigree and qualities. The political party I joined when I ventured into politics is the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), and I appreciate the love and acceptability of the leadership and the entire members of the party. I deeply appreciate Honourable Prince Olasunkanmi Salami for showing me love since I joined the party and I am happy to say that PDP is a party to be. I know that the honour I have been accorded will complement my positive impacts on the society. I am confident that I have a political credibility that surpasses my opponents.
It is no news that PDP is still faced with internal problems of party structure. Which faction do you belong and what is your take on the state of the party presently?
There is no problem within the party. PDP is united and intact. It is the biggest political party to reckon with in Nigeria and there is no faction in the party. The speculation differences among leaders are trivial issues and if we the followers will not deceive ourselves, these leaders know how to settle matters between them that will not be open to the members of the party. So, we are one, especially at the local and state levels. If I eventually represent my party by His grace, it will serve as a great opportunity to set the record of the history of the seat straight, because all the past representatives either at the federal or state were imposed on us; they are not the son of the soil of Oluyole. They have not allowed the son of the soil to represent his people. So, this would stop from 2019. We have made our leaders to realise that we are not condemning them, but it is time to stop the idea of giving the glory of the son of the soil to strangers. The time is now and we are ready to take the chance. The son of the soil is ready to take the seat and also make a total difference. I am a son of the soil; I have root here. I have investments and properties here. So, it is glaring that I am deep rooted and well connected with my people.
Don’t you think you are taking a risk by abandoning your businesses for politics?
We will continue to thank God for the gift of life as long as we live. God gave me a revelation when I lost my 15-year-old daughter. I was made to understand that one is running away from politics because of death and the fear of going bankrupt, but one of my offspring is dead and that there was nothing I could do about it. We will die whether we shy away from responsibilities or not. So, the saddened experience changed my orientation about life. So, I asked myself; who am I to turn down God’s call? If this is what I would embark on and become wretched I would still be satisfied to have heeded to God’s call to serve my people. We all human should be mindful of the fact that there is no permanent enjoyment, because we are all strangers on earth. So, I don’t see my involvement in politics for the love of my country, state and constituency as a risk.
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