In this season of heated political activities,
one sincere exercise that is worthwhile for an
ardent observer of political theatrics in Oyo
State is sieving through the promises,manife
stos and limitations being presented by
various aspirants jostling for Agodi
Government house.The fierceness of the
contest stems from the indisputable fact that
most of the aspirants possess dazzling
credentials of a would-be governor of our
state.
At the gubernatorial debate organised by
Splash fm Ibadan which was staged at the
magnificient International Conference Centre,
University of Ibadan, the aspirants had
opportunities to engage one another while
they also fielded questions from moderators
and zealous audience. It gave me ample
opportunity to have an insightful overview of
manifestos of various political parties that
will participate in February 28 guber poll.
Prior to my arrival, I had divested my mind of
formed affinity for any of the candidates and
my decision would rest solely on the outcome
of the debate. Ably chaired by Prof. Francis
Egbokhare, the debate kicked off with call on
the aspirants to introduce themselves and
tacitly give a summary of their programs,
which they did in turn. Four parties were
represented at the debate and notably the
candidate of Labour Party, Otunba Adebayo
Alao Akala was conspicuous by his absence.
Engineer Seyi Makinde of Social Democratic
Party blazed the trial by introducing himself to
the general audience. Citing his wealth of
experience and his philanthropic gestures as
reasons why he should be given the mandate.
He was well comported and demostrated high
sense of civility in his responses to
questions.He tackled most of the questions
by given answers from what he has achieved
in his private capacity. He cited poverty and
corruption as plagues that he will address
head-on if elected. He outlined his programs
on health, education,agriculture,employment
and infrastructural development.He made
known of his intention to give rural
development priority by putting
infrastructures that will deter rural-urban
migration.He promised to publicly declare his
assets If elected as credence to his support
for freedom of information bill. Seyi Makinde
oozes the candour of an astute gentleman
with utmost willingness to serve people but
would those qualities be enough to coast him
to Agodi Government house?
Senator Teslim Folarin of People Democratic
Party was so critical of Ajimobi's government
and was obviously at ease to express his
displeasure. His responses to questions on
education,agriculture,mining and socio-
economic spheres of the state were premised
by the perceived flaws in Ajimobi's
government. Though he failed to provide
convincing alternatives, he was able to stress
the fact that his record as a former senate
leader couple with his vast experience are
enough credentials to make him the next
governor. He said his programs would be
people-oriented and will not lack human face.
In response to a question,he said he was not
rich and hence couldn't afford philanthropic
gestures like Seyi Makinde which
handicapped him in tarring the road that lead
to his house and putting up a project in his
alma mater.That caused hysterics among the
audience and mild expression of disapproval
with his answer.From his response probably
his nickname ''Jagba'' was coined from his
unique ability to outsmart his rivals in
political games.
Governor Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi of All
Progressive Congress exuded high sense of
comportment as he enumerated projects and
programs embarked and successfully
completed by his administration over the past
3 and a half years. Overweeningly, he
fastened to the prevailing peace that Oyo
State residents are enjoying which has
obviously been one of his selling point during
electioneering. He was eloquently and
impressively at ease as he highlighted his
achievements in re-building economy of the
state not excluding his untiring efforts at
providing state-of-the art social amenities in
the state. He drew attention of the audience to
numerous multi-nationals that have moved
into the state.He practically reeled off the
names of some companies who are now
firmly rooted in Oyo State. Indisputably,
Ajimobi's government may deserve
commendation in the maintainance of peace
and security in the state. Previous
administrations failed it that regard. There
was ceaseless chaos in the state before he
came on board. Among many other rebuttals,
he tried to set the record straight as regards
Mokola fly-over, Soka disaster and his
insistence that Ladoja's government refunded
stolen money to the state coffers through the
EFCC.
Senator Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja of the
Accord flaunted his achievements during his
first spell as the Governor of the
state.Proudly, he metioned his laudable
reforms in the education sector which was
iced with his 30-pupils per class initiative. He
boasted that the result of that was pleasing
and received commendation far beyond the
state. He promised to further utilize vast
arable lands for agriculture and make the
sector attractive to youths. He cited some
projects that had gone moribund since he left
office and promise to revive them. His
position on questions raised on
mining,education,infrastructures were given
to the best of his knowledge. In his swift
response when he took on Ajimobi during an
exchange, he accused his government of
thriving on lies and deceits.
I think we can intelligently make a choice.