31st December, 2010
Niyi Adeagbo, an Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN aspirant for Iseyin/Itesiwaju Constituency at the Oyo State House of Assembly in this interview with POLITICAL PLATFORM, shed light on his political ambition and other issues excerpts.
Looking at the political situation in the country, how would you describe the same situation in Oyo state? 
Well, it is very interesting if I may say. We are at a very critical dynamic stage in the electioneering process. We are beginning to see tensions rise, alliances are shifting, and the electorate is more vibrant and motivated than pre 2007 elections. We are seeing more people waking up and speaking up on their rights to vote and on the sanctity of their votes. Frankly speaking, the kind of rigging that happened in the 2007 elections will be extremely difficult to replicate this time around. The regular practice before was that INEC would “create†and announce results and whoever didn’t like it would be directed to court, where he would be for another 3 years. Because of these people are not ready to even get to that stage anymore; there is widespread clamouring and agitation for credible elections. The will of the people must reign supreme. Fortunately, we have a new management at INEC that is showing signs of sincerity and willingness to conduct credible elections come 2011. Let us pray that they will be able to do so. As at today, election tribunals have sacked five PDP state governments in the south-west and old Mid-Western regions that are products of the massively rigged 2007 elections and the people’s choice in four of the cases were declared winners. Incidentally, three out of the four are ACN candidates. It is then safe to infer that the ACN is very popular in the southwest. Nothing drives that home more than the recent change of government in Osun which is very close by to us in Oyo here. These things are evident to the unpopular PDP government in Oyo state and it is sending rattles down their spine. Politics in its truest sense is a game of numbers. If we are to consider numbers or popularity combined with the highly probable prospect that rigging will be almost impossible in the coming elections, then it is also safe to expect that there will be changes of government comes May 29, 2011.
So can one say you are satisfied with the trend?
Yes and no. The real issue at stake is tangible, qualitative and measurable improvement in the lives of the people. PDP governments have failed to deliver on this even after stealing the people’s mandate. If things are trending in favour of the Progressives (ACN), who based on their antecedents have shown their ability to deliver for the people then onecannot but be satisfied to an extent. However it does not end there, there is still a lot to be done. To bring the desired change, people must register and vote; they must take up the responsibility to bring about that change they desire by voting for the right party and its candidates. So therefore, it is not over until it is over. The struggle continues until we see the process to a desired end.
Why are you vying for a House of Assembly seat?
As a matter of fact, my desire is to represent my people of the Itesiwaju/Iseyin constituency at the Oyo state house of assembly in the 2011 elections. I desire to give them good and qualitative representation. If we have people that really care about the needs of the people at the helms of affairs, they make laws that are not anti-people.
Now that you want to represent your people at the state House of Assembly, what political experience do you possess?
There is no doubting the fact I am a greenhorn in politics. But the good thing about it is that I am also a very fast learner. Frankly speaking, I forayed into politics just over a year ago in which I have been wise enough to humble myself under the tutelage of very wise and experienced elders who have put me through the ropes. Therefore, I am not to be taken for granted. I would say, ‘take me for granted at your own peril’.
Can you let us know reasons people should vote for you?
In all humility, I am man of my words and a performer with antecedents. My only intention for seeking this office is to better the lot of my people at the grassroots level. I had the opportunity to seek other positions but I believe this presents me the most opportunity to bring the needed change. Here I can see to it that they get what they deserve. If elected, my constituents would be my main priority.
If elected, what are the programmes you intend to pursue?
Thank you very much. Apart from the normal legislative duties, there are lots of other programmes I have in stock for my constituent. For instance, since education is a very vital bedrock of the society, I have plans to will provide educational resources for the students and teachers in the zone, particularly ICT training. In the same manner, I would be providing full scholarships to students with outstanding performance up to the university level. Through my office, we will provide Guidance and key resources to help eligible grant seekers find information on state grants, loans, and non-financial assistance for projects, as well as on private funding. This way, I hope to improve upon commerce activities in the area. Another area I would be looking into is providing internships for qualified individuals from my constituency. This will provide them with a unique opportunity to learn more about the political and legislative process and also help them learn more about theworkings of government and many more.
There is a notion being shared by most Nigerians that Nigerian legislators make laws that are anti-people, what is your opinion on this?
Well, this seems to be the general sentiment. As a matter of fact, there seems to be some degree of justification to this. Our legislators input on crucial bills have always been about self preservation and not the interest of the people. A crucial bill like the FOI bill which is meant to benefit the nation has been juggled around for over five years and still counting. In the light of these things, Nigerians are justified to feel so. However, the power to change this is in their hands. We must all vote credible and competent people come 2011.
You are in the opposition party in Oyo State, what do you think are your chances?
This is entirely up to the electorate! It is not in my place to speak the mind of the people. Like I said earlier, politics is a game of numbers. The people will determine their destiny; they can choose between the opposition with the right antecedents and a deeply corrupt ruling party. I trust they will make the right decision. However, if we are to go by generalsentiment, I would say my chances are above average.
