Social Democratic Party strongman and governorship hopeful in Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde has suggested ways of getting the incumbent governor of the state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi to carry out the much desired local government election in the state.
According to Makinde, “we need to find an alternative means of conflict resolution. All opposition members need to come together to convince those in court to agree to an out-of-court settlement so that the issue of court case will be removed from the reason being adduced by Governor Ajimobi for not conducting the election.”
The Ibadan born philanthropist gave this submission while being featured on a live radio programme tagged IBL on IBR 92.5 on Impact Business Radio, Akobo, Ibadan on Saturday morning.
The programme, which was monitored by PMParrot saw the guber-hopeful speaking about a number of germane issues. We here present excerpts:
LG Polls In Oyo
“We must settle out of court. This is the only way the much desired local government election can happen in Oyo State. I do not think the ruling All Progressives Congress is sincere about conducting the election. I don’t care if APC wins all the seats but the election should hold. We are simply being taken for a ride.”
Ibadan Chieftaincy Law Reform
“It is immoral for the present government in Oyo State to have reportedly doctor the speech of the Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji. It is shameful. I believe the Olubadan when he came out to deny the statement being credited to him. I believe him because he is on the throne now and has no reason to lie to us. I see a lot of deceit.
“Moreover, if something is not broken, why fix it? The Olubadan chieftaincy arrangement is orderly. We are proud of it. It is a needless distraction. The government has more pressing challenges like salary payment, poverty, decaying infrastructures, health provision and others that should occupy it.
Relationship with Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Rashidi Ladoja
“I relate very well with the two of them on the traditional level. They are both high chiefs in Ibadanland.”
Alliance With Senator Ladoja, Others
“I have met Senator Ladoja on the need to come together. This is because during the last election, it was the opposition that lost – as against APC winning. APC won with 36 per cent of the votes. This is not really convincing but then, our constitution allows this.
“So, I have met Senator Ladoja and we are talking seriously with others. The bottom line is that we are seeking to serve the people – this is why we are in politics. This means we should learn to put our differences aside.”
Six Years of Ajimobi
“I disagree that he is the Architect of modern Oyo State. Chief Bola Ige played a better role. I agree that there was a semblance of development during his first term.”
2015 Guber Election
“APC in Oyo State knew the only way to stay in power was to make sure that the opposition did not come together. They succeeded. During all our moves, we saw their ‘hands’. At the end of the day, we the opposition members failed ourselves, we failed the people. Now that we know this, we will be more reasonable and put personal ambitions aside”.
Lesson Learnt From 2015 Election
“The 2015 election has come and gone but the golden lessons learnt are many. In the first place, I know there is need for us to start early. We also need to consult widely. In addition, we should allow the voices of the people to be heard. We have to be ready to make sacrifices in the interest of the people. People are out there dying, people cannot send their children to school because of poverty, salaries are not being paid. We need to come together as one to fight the extreme poverty ravaging the state”.
On Plans To Manage The Economy Of the state If elected eventually
“In September 2014 when I formally declared to contest as Governor, I made it clear that I was not going to depend on Federal Allocations when elected to run the government. I stated it that the issue of Federal Allocation will become irrelevant soon. You see, I am a big player in the Oil and Gas industry, but the industry will soon die. We have to move away from waiting for Federal allocation every month. Land is our God-given allocation. We will focus on Agriculture and agro allied products and services. We have to fund education correctly. We will manage the resources of the state very well and expand the base.
On The Clamour for Oke Ogun to produce the next Oyo Governor
Democracy is a game of number. The governorship seat has never been zoned to anywhere in the state and it is not by rotation. We all have to work hard and generate followers. Nobody can stop anybody from becoming governor. When you work hard, you will see results.
Packaged by Alice Egbedele
