Osun State All Progressives Party (APC) chairman Honourable Bukola Ojuade was a Kuduru Ward Councillor in Bwari Area Council of Abuja. In this interview, APC stalwart Jeleel Olawale discusses national and political concerns and his trust in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Excerpts:
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu removed the fuel subsidy. What do you think?
Subsidies are frauds worldwide. Fuel subsidies are like mortgaging people’s lives or deceiving them. I support gasoline subsidy reduction.
The previous three general election contenders pledged to end gasoline subsidies. President Bola Tinubu removed the subsidies best. Maintain worldwide market subsidy levels.
Workers unions opposed subsidy withdrawal and demanded a return to the former fuel price.
Labour unions are self-serving. When the subsidy is gone, they want higher wages. Unions’ suspended strikes and protests allow the administration to hear them.
Everyone will appreciate it, even the unions. Employees’ pay will rise. Long-term rewards require short-term hardship. Everything will become better quickly.
Will low-income earners be unaffected by fuel price increases?
The country has less than 10% civil servants. Fuel subsidy withdrawal will not affect commodity prices. It takes time and practice. State governments have provided palliatives.
Let the subsidy go, and we’ll get dividends shortly. We’ll enjoy the challenge. We’ll enjoy it. Be patient. He’ll succeed.
Would subsidised funds enhance infrastructure rather than enrich high-profile individuals?
The President’s current approach demonstrates he understands governance. In his first days in office, he accomplished much. The Federal Government will provide subsidy removal relief.
The Federal Government will use the subsidy revenue for social amenities, including energy, roads, water, and education. Give the government 6–7 months and see what happens.
I trust Tinubu’s government. He’s trustworthy. He’ll deliver. Subsidies will fund infrastructure investments. Just give him a chance.
Vice-president Kashim Shettima leads the Federal Government’s palliatives. Each state will have a palliative committee to help individuals adjust to subsidy elimination.
How will you evaluate the President’s first days?
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has had a wonderful start. To guide his government, he has been reorganising. We await his Ministerial list to guide his government. His list will reveal his government.
I’m confident Tinubu will succeed. His appointments are flawless. He chose experienced governors. His recent appointments demonstrated his readiness for leadership. What kind of cabinet should we look for in government appointments?
Whom the President chooses must serve the public. They should understand people’s requirements. Professional technocrats, not politicians, should lead.
It needs technocrats and experienced politicians. They must be grassroots-savvy. The party must serve society before enjoying power. Presidents should use technocrats in their cabinets. What do you think of Nigerians’ claims that the President will favour Muslims over Christians in his government?
If we desire growth, our body polity should drop religion. This has divided us since. Development is non-religious. The government isn’t unbalanced. We should prioritise national interests. Religion is a lifestyle.
How to fix this country should be our priority, Muslim or Christian. Religion shouldn’t guide development. Let our people benefit from democracy and social amenities.
The most essential thing is getting the country to the promised land, regardless of religion.
What should the President’s national agenda be?
Presidents should prioritise security. Nigeria will only attract investors with security. Unsafe places won’t attract investors. Good security leads to other things.
Business will thrive if abduction and other insecurity are eliminated. Security of life and property attracts foreign investors.
To assess ministries, the President must interact with several groups. He must consult first. He must establish structure before launching his objective. Before starting, he must organise and understand governance.
How’s the President?
The President is healthy. No problem. Former President Muhammadu Buhari survived this criticism. Opposition parties employ it. Good health. He can lead. The President has no health complaints.
Last few months’ PDP government in Osun State?
No government action. The ground shows no performance. Governor fails. APC is on the break but will return to power soon.
We’re observing his state-building. After one year in office, they’ll report his accomplishments. Criticism is premature. Wait a year.
The Governor got monthly federal allocation during the electoral battle. Thus, the legal matter should not be used as an albatross of his underperformance.
Governor Ademola Adeleke needed to prepare for office. As Governor, he issued executive orders to halt most of the previous administration’s appointments and programmes. What do you think of Osun State House of Assembly’s 38-year-old 8th speaker?
Performance is unrelated to age. His age group has produced successful governors and politicians.
He should associate with smart individuals. He shouldn’t let people abuse him.
The 8th Assembly is young. Members may rubber-stamp the executive. They need to gain the legislative experience to make state laws. However, they will improve. How will the state APC criticise?
We will constructively criticise government policies that harm state residents. We’ll advise and criticise. The opposition will constantly evaluate policies and respond. APC’s state?
The party is reconciling. We’re striving to reconcile and fortify. We are reconciling the state party. The party will rule again in four years.
Former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola pleaded for forgiveness, which is OK. Nothing wrong with party progress. Reconciliation is gradual. I hope the state party survives.
Party prospects are good. In three years, the party will return to power after the break. Presidential and Nigerian advice?
The President must ignore criticism. Avoid cabals. He should treat all religions, ethnicities, and parties equally. He should ensure democracy benefits everyone.
Nigerians should back the President. They should pray for him to lead the nation to greatness.
