Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro wants to
represent Eti-Osa Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly on the
platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP. Though he contested for the
same seat in 2011, he lost but he is optimistic that he would emerge victorious
at the end of the exercise. He speaks on his plans, mission and vision for
Eti-Osa if given the opportunity to represent the people. Excerpts:
How do you react to the recent
defeat of your party at the presidential level?
I was surprised by the outcome, we
did not expect the defeat but as a sportsman, I have accepted it because it is
a defeat for the party. But we are moving on.
We are going to learn from some of
the mistakes we made during the presidential elections to ensure that we do
better during the governorship and State House of Assembly elections.
Are you not worried that the outcome
of the presidential elections might affect the chances of the party at the
coming polls?
I am not worried because the will of
the people is what is going to carry the day. The precedence that has been set
shows that rigging is no longer the in thing.
Now, people’s votes are beginning to
count and it counted in a violence free manner. I guess we have a new direction
we are heading in the country.
In 2011, you contested against the
current occupant of the seat you are vying for but you lost. Would you say your
chances are brighter this time around?
Well I believe I stand a better
chance now. First, I am no longer a novice in the game. Also, I have not
stopped politicking and campaigning since 2011 and I believe I have a better
package and plan for the constituency.
What are those packages?
One of the roles of a member of a
House of Assembly is to represent the people and make you sure you fight for
them so that development can come to the area. Those are the things I want to
do. If you go to our government owned primary and secondary schools, they are
nothing to write home about. It does not justify the enormous tax that we pay
here.
Another area I intend to take
advantage of are the companies within our constituency mostly the banks. What I
have noticed is that their employees come from far and wide.
One of the things I want to do is to
write a letter to all of these companies and urge them to give our constituency
preference because we are their host.
We want them to give us three to
five per cent of their staff strength. I believe that will help in reducing
unemployment within my constituency.
Also, these companies embark on
Corporate Social Responsibility, where they give back to the community. What I
have noticed is that when they embark in such CSR, they do so outside our
constituency and they tend to forget that there are people that live within
Eti-Osa constituency 2, that could benefit from such gesture.
Would you say the current occupant
of the seat has lived up to the expectation of the people?
From ovation around town, he has
performed under par. We are going to kick him out because we do not want him.
But how do you intend to defeat the
incumbent who has the backing of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who incidentally resides
within Eti-Osa Constituency 2?
If the people of Eti-Osa
Constituency 2 want me, there is nothing anybody can do about that.
Will of the people
We are going to wait till April 11,
and ensure that the will of the people prevails.
In 2011, we contested in this same
constituency and defeated them across board hands down. I believe it is the
will of the people that matters and I believe their choice is no other than
Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro.
You seem confident of winning, are
you banking on your father, who is a minister to win?
If that is my weapon, I will use it.
I will not shy away from using my weapon. I have no iota of doubt in me that
this election is a wrap and I believe that I am home and dry.
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