One of the leading contestants for the vacant seat of Akure North/South Federal Constituency, in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Dayo Awude, explains ahead of the party’s February 3 primary election, why he is most qualified for the party’s ticket.
In this interview with Kayode Fasua, Awude, a former Commissioner for Sport in Ondo State, lists his programmes of action, among others, if elected into the House of Representatives.
Excerpts:
What are the chances of PDP to recapture Akure North/South federal constituency?
Akure North and South Federal Constituency, as we all know is a stronghold of the PDP. The late member of the House of Representatives was a member of the PDP. The Party has consistently won elections in the two local governments in recent years. So, we hope to repeat this feat this time again. On a general note, our people are tired of the ruling APC government both in the State and the national. This election, by the grace of God, is for us to be taken.
What are your programmes for the people of your area?
Akure federal constituency has a very cosmopolitan outlook. Our people deserve the best and that’s what I’ve promised to deliver. I intend to redefine representation through sponsorship of life-impacting bills. I will ensure regular townhall meetings with the people such that my voice in the hallowed chambers shall be theirs. I will create a bond with the people.
I shall pursue job-creating programmes for the benefits of our working class.
I will ensure welfare programmes for the vulnerable in the society. Children, the aged, widows and physically challenged people shall be in this web. I will pursue programmes that will make life meaningful for them.
Our farmers and traders shall receive adequate attention in terms of policies, grants and general support. We will ensure qualitative constituency projects and promote sports among our youth.
Already, I’m used to Personal Community Development Projects and I intend to continue on that trajectory. As at today, I have close to forty personally sponsored projects in the two local governments making up the federal constituency.
These and many more we intend to bring on board, for the benefit of our people.
How bright are your chances in securing the party’s ticket?
I am very hopeful that I will pick my party’s ticket by the grace of God. I have worked hard for this. This is my third attempt at this position. I am the most politically experienced of the aspirants. They all met me in this race.
Among all the aspirants, I’m the one who understands best, the two local governments that make up the federal constituency, because I was born in Ilu-Abo, Akure North. I had my primary education there before coming to Akure South for my secondary school education. To date, I remain the only one among the aspirants who live in both local governments. Therefore, I can say I understand the people better and I have the best connections with them. I have always been among them, in season and offseason.
What is your take on the insecurity situation in Nigeria?
Insecurity in Nigeria has gotten to an alarming state. This is most unfortunate. In all my life, I haven’t seen Nigeria this bad as far as security is concerned. Unfortunately, the federal government hasn’t done much to convince Nigerians that it’s dissatisfied with the state of things. Nigeria is more divided today than it has ever been. We must change the narrative. We must secure our country. We must take our country back.
What can government at all levels do to reduce unemployment in Nigeria?
Perhaps the number one problem bedevilling this country is unemployment. Millions of our youth have no jobs. What I think the government can do is to first fix power supply and give Nigerians good roads. If these two are done, coupled with the secured country, jobs will naturally be created. I’m not under any illusion that governments can employ everybody, but government can provide the enabling environment for the creation of jobs for our people. Attention has to be paid to the private sector, which is the greater employer of labour. We must get our people productively engaged.
Can you tell us a little of your political and professional antecedents?
I joined active politics in 1991 as a member of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, midwifed by the Ibrahim Babangida administration. I was a member of the Alliance for Democracy, and later the Labour Party and now the Peoples Democratic Party.
After working as the Information, Protocol and Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, I served as the Ondo State Chief of Protocol, Chairman, Ondo State Scholarship Board and Commissioner for Youth Developments and Sports respectively. I am presently the State Vice Chairman, (Central Senatorial District) of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State.
I am a member of many professional bodies. I served as the Chairman of the Ondo State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR. I am a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management, Association of Nigeria University Professionals Administrators, ANUPA as well as a Fellow of the Institute of Public Administrators of Nigeria, IPAN.
I am an author, poet and socio-political analyst. I have thirteen publications to my credit.
Who is your role model in Nigerian politics and why?
My role model in politics is a hybrid of different elements and personalities. I like politicians with guts and grit. My role model is that politician with a clear vision and the unbending will to pursue that vision.
How will you rate the performance of the APC-led government in Ondo State?
The APC-led government in Ondo State has been a definition of failure in very many respects. However, in terms of security of lives and property, I’ll score the government above average. Aside that, it’s been one disappointing venture after another. Our people sure deserve better.
Former Governor Mimiko has returned to the PDP. In what way can this boost the chances of the party?
The return of any former Governor to a party is usually a value added. That of Dr. Mimiko, the first two-term governor of Ondo State is no exception. With his teaming supporters across the state, the PDP is set to reclaim it’s rightful place in Ondo State. This is indeed a welcome development for the PDP.