Honourable Olaide Akínremí is a member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Ìbàdàn North Federal Constituency. The lawmaker popularly known as Jagaban is also a member of the National Caretaker and Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In this interview by SAM NWAOKO, he speaks on issues of insecurity, the chances of the APC in the 2023 election among others.
SIR, the past two years have been a mixed bag for Nigeria and Nigerians in terms of economic gains and pains. As a member of the House of Representatives, how has it been for you and your constituents?
Yes, the last two years has tested us as a country and as a people, considering the economic challenges occasioned by COVID-19. Many nations of the world, Nigeria inclusive are yet to fully recover from this economic downturn which has seriously affected governance in all spheres, but I am glad that we are able to make some progress irrespective of our economic issues, and in more than one way, provided palliatives to cushion the effect of the pandemic on the lives of our people. From the Federal Government’s survival funds to various federal government household and entrepreneurship loans, and other social interventions from the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry, as well as the federal ministry for youths and sports, quite a number of Nigerians, my constituents inclusive, have been able to get needed relief.
Your beloved Oyo State has been on the throes of insecurity: Ibadan with violent gang clashes and Ibarapa with Fulani herders. What is your assessment of the security situation in the state?
The current security situation in Oyo State is scary, sad and heartbreaking as we continue to lose precious lives and properties to violence and brigandage. Every other day, there is one terrible incident reported in the news or the other. From herdsmen attacks to thugs and cultists clashes, to robberies, killings, vandalism and looting by rogues, the not so long ago peaceful Oyo State is gradually sliding into the abyss of insecurity.
Like I recently stated, the fight against insecurity in Oyo State requires joint effort, and in my own little way, I have been making efforts to bring the higher authorities to attention, and solicit help to arrest this rising insecurity situation. This led me few months ago to meet with the immediate past Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, while I also engaged the Oyo State Commissioner of Police as well as some DPOs in my Constituency at that time too. This became imperative because we are all affected by this insecurity, either directly or indirectly and we need to pull every weight to nip it in the bud. My consultations and engagements on this issue till date haven’t stopped.
Do you think Governor Seyi Makinde has properly tackled insecurity as it affects Oyo State? If you were the governor, what would you do differently concerning security?
The answer is obvious; the people of Oyo State are finding it difficult with each passing day. We now have hot zones where violence breaks out unannounced; our people in Ibarapa can’t sleep with their two eyes closed. Iwo Road recently witnessed an evening of terror that claimed the life of a young man, Azeez Abdularahman. Titus Badejo, an on-air personality with Naija FM, and also Mrs Olayemi Odetomi, wife of a former Commissioner in the state were killed by yet to be identified murderers. Too many ugly incidents and avoidable deaths that have left families broken-hearted and depressed have been happening with no hope of these being checkmated. And no perpetrator has been brought to book so far.
I’ll advice that a general stakeholders meeting across board be summoned to address the insecurity as it is now obvious that the security of Oyo State is dependent on all of us. Governor Seyi Makinde can’t do it alone, and this isn’t about politics but the interest of our people. Some of us who understand the strategies and technical know-how used by the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration are still around to support his government overcome this menace. We cannot continue to commiserate and send condolences to the families of those who lose loved ones. As such Governor Seyi Makinde shouldn’t be shy to seek help. All we want is a safer and better Oyo State irrespective of our political leanings.
Some people are of the opinion that the insecurity, especially tackling banditry and herdsmen issues would have been made easier if President Muhammadu Buhari had taken some steps. Do you agree with this shade of opinion?
Well, I do not know what steps is being referred to in this case. However we need to understand the need for synergy between state governments and the federal government in tackling banditry and herdsmen issues. The president can’t be all over the nation but the governors, being closer to their own people can always get across to Mr. President for needed support. These issues shouldn’t be allowed to fester beyond control before we seek assistance to safeguard our people, and governors shouldn’t pay lip service to security complaints from the populace whenever reports of herdsmen illegal movements and camping are laid. President Buhari recently said that he had given the governors directives to decisively deal with bandits and herdsmen attacking other Nigerians in their states. It’s left for them to take quick action by instituting workable security policies.
There are so many things on the table for you federal lawmakers, among which is the amendment of the constitution and many others. What should your constituents and Nigerians expect from the House?
The 9th Assembly remains committed to the progress of our country as we have come to understand the importance of joint effort in actualising a better nation, and unprecedentedly there has been undiluted cooperation between the Senate, the House of Representatives and the Federal Government so far. This has assisted in no small means with regard to moving the nation forward. The constitution review is key, and so much effort is being channeled into the process to deliver a fruitful end. Quite a number of other people-oriented bills and motions have been moved on the floor of the House which, after adoption, will contribute greatly to easing the challenges of Nigerians. An example is the Out of School Children Bill of Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
You are one of the leaders of the APC in Oyo State both by virtue of your position and by membership pedigree. Would you say that the party is in good stead and can w in elections in the state?
Yes, our party, the APC is in a good position to retake power in Oyo State come 2023. If you have been following the trend of things, you will realise that contrary to the usual, it is the APC as opposition in Oyo State that is getting embraced by all. Defectors are trooping into our party everyday, both experienced politicians and even youths who are just joining the fray for the first time. Our recent membership registration is an attestation to this, and our work on the National Caretaker and Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee of the APC on which I am a member, and led by Governor Mai Mala Buni continues to yield positive results across the country. This isn’t limited to Oyo State, as we can see even governors, senators and House of Representatives members joining the APC every other day.
In a couple of years, elections would be upon us and the jostle for tickets and the like would be in top gear. By your assessment, in which areas have Nigerians fared better so as to encourage them to continue to vote for APC?
No administration has committed so much effort into infrastructure as the President Buhari’s administration: construction of roads, rails and others which in due course will have huge economic impact on our country. So also are the various social intervention programmes from the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry, as well as the Ministry for Youth and Sports. More so, the fight against insurgency has been great for our nation with so many positives recorded in recent months. But the new wave of banditry and kidnapping poses further security challenges. However, considering the directive of the president to governors and law enforcement agencies, I’m confident this will also be tackled soon.
What would be your charge to the APC members and supporters in Oyo State?
To remain focused and continue to propagate the APC as we work towards reclaiming Oyo State in 2023. They should be proud of us, the two senators and 10 House of Representatives members on the platform of the APC in Oyo State, who are giving their absolute best to represent not only the party’s interest, but the general interest of our constituents.
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