One of the foremost gubernatorial aspirants in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has said that he decided to contest to become the governor of the state because of genuine desire to serve.
He made this revelation while featuring on a popular radio programme aired on Fresh 105.9 FM in Ibadan on Saturday.
While speaking during the programme which was monitored by PMParrot, Adelabu said he had to resign from his plum job as the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank (CBN) to show that he is sincere with his desire to put smiles on the people of Oyo State.
He submitted “When I announced my decision to resign, some of my admirers and friends frowned. Let me say it here, I don’t deserve pity or sympathy from anybody. I want prayers and cooperation and support from my people in Oyo State so that I can become the next governor of Oyo to continue the building more on the foundations laid by my leader and governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
“You see, when you are a rich man, your relevant subsists until you die. But when you are a governor and you succeed in instituting legacies like the Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, people will continue to live on the minds of generations.
When asked the question of what his ‘Plan B’ was if he fails to secure APC’s ticket to run for the office of governor, Adelabu responded “No Plan B. I am optimistic that I will be given the ticket to run because I am the most qualified. In fact, today, it is only APC that can make anybody the governor of Oyo State. With God’s support and the cooperation of our people in APC, the ticket will be given to me. I am very sure. So, there is no Plan B.”
Adelabu also spoke about his plan to take care of the civil servants in the state when he becomes the governor.
His words “I have over 560 people I pay salaries to every month in my different businesses today. Ask them, I pay more than 13th month salary in addition to the fact that they are paid promptly every month. I do not owe salaries. I don’t like it. What I cannot take, I cannot do to others.
“So, if I can do all these to my personal staff, just imagine what the workers of the state will experience when I become the governor of the state. Remember too that I have the popular Adebayo Adelabu foundation where we take care of the needy.
“The economic prosperity of my people in Oyo State is important to me. When I become the governor, I will ensure that the economy of the state is made vibrant. This is the only way the people of the state can become prosperous too.”
Adelabu also informed his audience that his party, APC, is not as troubled as being reported in the media.
“Our party is stronger than people think – especially in Oyo State. My leader, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has put together a very powerful team to reconcile aggrieved members and many of them are returning.”
While speaking specifically on the achievements of Governor Ajimobi, the former CBN Deputy Governor had this to say “Ajimobi is the architect of modern Oyo State. Forget about whatever his detractors are saying. He is the one who made politics attractive to some of us. He has made a sound foundation. Anybody that says he has not done anything needs his head examined or, perhaps needs eyes’glasses.”
Packaged by Olayinka Agboola and Olawale Awe
