Honourable Isaac Ajiboye Omodewu was a Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Surveying in Oyo State during the administration of Late Governor Abiola Adeyemi Ajimobi. Today, he is the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. He was our guest on our Radio Show broadcast live on Splash 105.5fm. The Show that was anchored by OLAYINKA AGBOOLA saw the astute politician talking about how his party will win at next month’s gubernatorial election…
EXCERPTS:
We are sure the heat of the campaign season is not getting to you because you look calm and collected.
That is how it should be because slow and steady wins the race.
You were once a Commissioner and now the Chairman of APC in Oyo State, which of the two positions is most challenging?
Thank God Almighty for everything. I believe all is destiny because it was not my plan to be the party’s Chairman but when it came my way, I had no option but to pick it up. To me, I believe both are more challenging. Any position you find yourself as long as you are alive, you have to perform to the expectation of the people.
Your main opposition party, PDP has been campaigning in different parts of the State, but your party is not doing the same despite the fact that elections are holding next month. What is your reason?
Everyone has tactics. Some people believe in going up and down, screaming, campaigning and doing all sorts. There are so many ways to campaign. The last time our Asiwaju was in the State, he challenged us that we have to move our campaign to people. We have to let them know what we will do, the reconciliation and other things that can make us the best of all the parties. We did as instructed: we pleaded with people and reconciled with most of the people. What we are doing now is door-to-door campaigns. This is our strategy.
Your party was in power for eight years, how does it feel to be referred to as the ‘opposition party’?
What happened some years ago was destined. Yes, I have to admit that there were some mistakes on our part. What made us lose power then was as a result of misunderstanding. When there is misunderstanding among politicians, there is a tendency for anger. Many party members were aggrieved and displayed nonchalant attitude towards the party. Our Governor then, Abiola Ajimobi was a very good administrator, but for one reason or the other, there was a misunderstanding and everyone felt unconcerned about the activities of the party. This was what led us to the present situation.
What lessons did the party learn from the last elections?
We learnt many lessons. Despite the misunderstandings, we learned that whatever happens is for a reason and God is involved. We have built ourselves from the experience, left everything behind and we have moved on.
Do you think the steps taken by your Presidential candidate and some party Chieftains for reconciliation within the party have become fruitful?
Our Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu told us to work together, make appeals and vote in support of the party. We have taken all necessary steps and by God’s grace, our party will win at the next elections. Part of the efforts I took in making this work is setting up a Reconciliation Committee chaired by our Leader, Barrister Femi Lanlehin. He went to all nooks and crannies of the state, including all the thirty-three Local Government Areas and he presented his report. We examined the report and we started the implementation. I believe reconciliation continues until the eve of election.
Which of the sub-groups in the party do you belong to?
I belong to the Ajimobi group. I am a product of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Now, will you say that APC is the party to beat in Oyo State during the fast-approaching elections?
With the present structure on ground, APC will take control of the next government both at the federal, State and local levels. We are not relenting in our efforts towards achieving our aim.
With the present state of the economy talking about naira and fuel scarcity with APC at the helms of Affairs at the federal level, what gives you the confidence that the party will be voted for?
Talking about governance, what Nigeria is facing presently is a global problem that affects every country in the world. The state of Nigerian economy is replicable in other countries of the world. There are many strike actions happening in England today as well as other countries of the world. This is due to COVID19 pandemic which greatly affected the world’s economy. For instance, if a company folds up for two to three years, it will be difficult for such a company to regain its stand. Let us look at the present war in Ukraine; it affects the entire world economy. England and America are much affected by the war in Ukraine despite the fact that they are powerful countries. People should look at the reasons behind changing our currency notes. There are saboteurs in government who are always criticizing the good policies of the government. For instance, on the issue of petrol, people blame the President for fuel scarcity whereas those in charge are responsible for the scarcity.
Many assumed that the statement recently made by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on new currency notes and fuel scarcity is eye opener to the reality on ground. Do you agree?
When one is pushed to the limit, there will be a reaction. He made the statement so that those sabotaging government’s efforts at the top will be exposed. Frankly speaking, some set of people are behind all these things.
You said in one of your statements that APC will win 80% at the local, state and federal levels, whereas, the party did not win in the State four years ago. Do you have further comments sir?
When I was a Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the government did well then unlike now. The Governor is one of the most difficult Executive Officers you can easily see because of the assignments he has. For this reason then, Governor Ajimobi of blessed memory gave me an approving authority to sign any amount not above ten million naira without his knowledge. By that time, every local government had different projects brought to me for approval. There were many projects embarked on by every local government then without waiting for the approval of the Governor because he may not be available for the next six months. If the project is above ten million naira, we collate them and at the end of each month after JAC meeting, I present them to the Governor for approval. This was because the Governor had power to approve the sum of 50 million naira for projects and the State Exco will approve anything above this amount. The Governor then examines the projects and makes necessary approval. Nothing like this is happening today, local governments are paralyzed by present administration in the State. I stand to be challenged by anybody! Staff of local governments in the state do nothing other than sitting in office, because there is no fund available for them to work with. The present Governor confirmed it on radio that he used to give local governments the sum of ten million naira every month and when they could not account for it, he stopped it. There is no basis for comparison between the local governments then and now. We are not at the stage of criticism but the important thing is what we are going to do that will make the difference. Senator Teslim Folarin will change the whole narrative and make all the local governments have access to their funds so that they can function effectively. Again, look at our current expenditure in the state; the government powers streetlights with diesel and when people complained, they changed to gas. Still, there is no difference. We had sustainable and solar energy that are more affordable in powering the streetlights. I am not criticizing the government but I am telling you that we will change everything.
Do you agree that the hike in fuel and diesel is the fault of the government at the top, I mean the APC-controlled Federal Government…if we had functioning refineries…?
That is why I mentioned earlier that there are saboteurs in government. Nonetheless, we should not depend on diesel or gas to power streetlights; instead, we can use solar power. I am sure if Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin wins governorship election, he will give room for local governments to function on their own without the interference of the state.
What is your permutation regarding your candidate winning the gubernatorial election where there is Chief Adebayo Adelabu contesting under the platform of Accord and remember, he was formerly your party member?
Let me state categorically that there is seniority in politics and I will also add that experience counts. Who can match the experience of Senator Folarin amongst those contesting for governorship position in the state? Politically, there is none. He is a party man and at the same time if you want to be a Governor in Oyo State, you must be bold and decisive. That was what helped Senator Abiola Ajimobi then. You must be able to make a decision without minding the consequences that follow as long as such decision is good for the people. During the tenure of Governor Abiola Ajimobi, there was almost no case of armed robbery in the state, but the reverse is the case now. He had zero tolerance for crime. However, Senator Folarin said that his own will be minus zero tolerance for crime.
What exactly did late Governor Ajimobi do that the present administration is not doing in Oyo State especially concerning Local governments’ funds and NURTW?
I explained earlier concerning the issue of local government that the Governor then gave power to the Commissioner for Local Government to approve some amount of money so that work will continue at the local level.
Still, some Local Government Chairmen complained then…
There is no way people will not complain. With the reality they are facing now, they see that there is difference between then and now. On the issue of NURTW, Governor Ajimobi was a peace loving somebody who did not allow anybody or anything to cause problem in the State unlike what is going on now. Today, you cannot pass through Iwo Road without being molested by louts, touts and thugs in the area. Back then, the Governor would put a call through to the NURTW leader if he noticed any form of disturbance to give them warning. We were able to control their activities then.
Again, I will ask, how will you convince the people that they should vote your candidate in the gubernatorial election?
Talking about experience, Senator Teslim Folarin has more experience than other governorship aspirants. Apart from that, he also believes in the party system. He does not do anything without the consent of the party. The experience and influence he has by being a Senator three times has made him build close relationships with friends, Non-Governmental Organizations and people who would help him when he becomes the Governor. This is what other aspirants contesting the same position lack. At the same time, he does not tolerate nonsense and this will enable him effectively tackle security challenges in the State. Also, paying workers’ salaries should not be seen as an accomplishment by any government because a responsible government should pay workers’ salaries promptly.
What is your advice to fellow politicians?
My advice is that we do not want any form of violence in the coming election. Everyone should go out and vote for our party, APC.
