2018 gov’ship: ‘APC stands the chance to defeat Fayose’
Dr Oluomo Oluwole Oluleye is a former Chief Executive of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA). In this interview with Daily Trust, he spoke on his ambition to become the next governor of Ekiti State. Excerpts:
At what point did the idea of contesting for Ekiti State governorship occur to you? Every man, they say, is a political animal. Politics is in all of us. The difference is in the level at which we all engage in it. In our places of work, in homes, in churches, in mosques, you will find yourself engaging in some form of politics or the other. However, what is strange in our clime is for acclaimed upright people to engage in politics. I have always been a keen watcher of politics in Nigeria and particularly in my state, Ekiti State. What one finds worrisome and disturbing in recent times is the perception of an average Ekiti man. We were rapidly being known for wrong reasons and for who we are not.
As a proud Ekiti man, I felt pained by these developments, and they grew in me a genuine concern to step out of my shell and turn the tides for good. Well meaning Ekiti people, who have been keen observers of one’s humble achievements as a technocrat and a public servant, also approached me and requested that I come out to redeem the eroding image and integrity of Ekiti people. This is a challenge that I voluntarily took. I did my home work and I am convinced that I can make the difference in governance, administration and wealth creation in Ekiti State. So, here we are. I have officially declared my intention to go into politics.
Looking at the number of political heavyweights contesting for the seat even within APC, will you say you have a better chance?
Political heavyweight? Let me share the story of a former coach of the Super Eagles, Bonfere Jo, with you. During the Atlanta 96 Olympics when we won the gold, he was asked the secret of his success. He said “I try not to watch my opponent’s play pattern. If I do, I will lose concentration and won’t be able to know where my players are lacking. I will rather check my players, check porous areas and block them, find out why we are not scoring and do something about it.” This same philosophy applies to me. I have done my due diligence. I believe I have what it takes to make the difference. So, I am not intimidated by names. However, I acknowledge the fact that every contestant has its own strengths and capabilities. The bottom line is that we are all working towards the same goal.
To what extent will you say your background as a technocrat has prepared you for governance knowing fully that business acumen is different from political intricacies?
Please permit me to say that I have had a fulfilled career which spanned cumulatively over 33 years as both a public servant and a technocrat. I rose steadily in cadre and responsibilities from the National Productivity Centre, to the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), as the Pioneer Executive Secretary and to being Executive Secretary Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), amongst other national assignments. In all of these assignments and duties, I have had cause to play politics to get things done and meet my targets. I am perfectly at home with administration. I am an adherent of due process. I have also travelled far and wide to enable me think global and act local, bringing to bear those experiences garnered over a period of 33 years.
However, I know the full import of playing politics to be able to achieve my goal of making Ekiti State great again. Politics, I know, is the means to an end here. I am learning the ropes, and I am learning fast. But one thing I won’t compromise, like the typical politicians will always want to do; I won’t promise what I cannot deliver. There must be a limit to the connection between business sagacity and political intricacies. Once it bothers on lies, count me out.
Many have described your state governor as a grassroots politician with mass following, will you say your party stands the chance of defeating him?
Everybody is entitled to his own opinion. Opinions are products of perceptions. While some will also disagree with you on this “mass following” claim, it will not diminish the fact that the current governor, Ayo Fayose, still has his loyalists and followers. Some believe in his style of governance, but I ask, how many? If I genuinely think his team is winning, then there will be no need for me to express interest in governing the state.
Fayose has tried his best, some of us think we can do better and properly reposition the state amongst the comity of states with mission and purpose. Go out in Ekiti now and feel the pulse of the people, then form your conclusions as to whether our party stands the chance of defeating him. By the way, if the chances are not bright, you won’t find so many aspirants in APC coming out to vie for the position.
In specifics, what are the key programmes you have for the people of Ekiti State?
I understand that it is not time to campaign. The party guidelines and INEC guidelines are not out yet. I don’t want to run foul of the law. At the appropriate time, our specific goals, programmes and steps to take to actualize them will be unveiled. But let me just say I am set to change the character of our politics with these three cardinal broad objectives: to promote fertile ground for reforms, improve moral standard in government and fight poverty amongst Ekiti people in record time.
To what extent can you vouch for the integrity of primaries to be conducted in your party ahead of the governorship election?
With the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari whom many have applauded for his integrity, I have no doubt in my mind that such will be brought to bear on the primary. We have been assured, times without number, by the party hierarchy that elections in Ekiti will not only be free but fair. I have no cause to doubt them.
From all indications, the party is willing to walk the talk. In fact, one of the contributing factors to my involvement in politics is the fact that I consider the umpires as men of integrity; those who cannot be compromised.