Alhaji Azeem Gbolarunmi, a former deputy governor of Oyo state is one the respected leaders of People’s Democratic Party in the state and well admire for his frank disposition to issues relating to governance and democracy in Nigeria. In this interview, with some selected online media practitioners at his Bodija, Ibadan residence, during Ramadan festival, he bares his mind, among other issues, on the governance in Oyo state, controversy on Olubadan stool, as well as current situation in the Peoples Democratic Party. Excerpt.
Message to Muslim faithfuls on the occasion of Ramadan festival
As far as I’m concerned, I think we should all imbibe the Islamic ways of life and we must be very grateful to Almighty God for given us the opportunity to fast during the Ramadan and enable us to end it peacefully.
Governance in Oyo state
I want to commend the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde. He has been doing very well. He has been trying his best to making this pace setter state peaceful. When he (Makinde) was here two days ago or there about (for a special iftah), I told him that since the inception of this current dispensation, the state has not been peaceful as it is now under his tenure. I want you to recall back and confirm this statement.The way I look at it, maybe God has a plan to use him for this state. He has been performing wonderfully well, trying his best, though, he can’t do it all alone. If I don’t want to exaggerate, I will score him 85 per cent. My own perception may be different from others anyway. For him to harmonize the religions, all the religious leaders in the state successfully, it is not an easy task. In Oyo state, we are very very difficult to manage.
Current controversy on Olubadan stool
Actually, I don’t want to dabble into that because I am a potential Olubadan too. We have elders and leaders who I believe, can intervene. But I don’t think there is any problem. It is only we are exaggerating and confusing the people of the state. With time, everything will be settled. And you know, we have our own ways of settling our own matters.
We have the chiefs law, which I believe will be implemented. So let’s look at it. So we are all waiting for the Olubadan in council to nominate the king. When they nominate, the governor is in a position to approve. I believe, as soon as that is done, the governor will approve.
Crisis in the People’s Democratic Party at the national level
The issue of PDP, I think we are trying to do our possible best to settle the differences amongst all the stakeholders in the country. So we are working on it. You know, since we lost the election, the recent happening is normal.
60 Lawmakers’ demand for the resignation of acting national chairman of the PDP, Illiyasu Damagun
It is normal because the PDP’s costutution had already stated he’s on acting capacity which I believe, he has already exhausted.Therefore, it’s normal for them (lawmakers) and every member of the party to call for substantive officers
Wike’s membership staus in PDP
I wouldn’t know if he’s still remain a member of the party. He needs to come out and tell us if he’s a member or not. Let him come out and tell the people if he’s still a member of the party. May be, they will take him up from there.
Atiku and Makinde differences
I think Atiku has been looking for peace. He has been preaching for peace . And Makinde himself has been looking for peace. So with that, I think we are moving. It’s going to be a process which I believe will be executed within a very short period of time.
Chances of PDP’s returning to power soon
Definitely. We have all seen what is happening in the country right now – the poverty, hunger, insecurity, worsening economy and many other things. We can’t continue like this. Nigerians have seen what happened during PDP era. We all knew what we were facing today, look at the exchange rates, look at the security aspect, look at the economy and so on and so forth. We are in a very serious mess, Nigeria has not been like this. Things are getting worse day by day.
Future governorship ambition
Let’s leave that to God.
