By Job Osazuwa
Former Chairman of Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area, Idris Bolaji Muse Ariyoh, has said he is a leader who has won the hearts of his people. The All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate made the declaration while flagging off his campaign for the July 22 council election in the state.
How prepared are you for the forthcoming election?
You could see the huge crowd; the thousands of youths, elders that stormed the campaign ground to support me. We have done all we need to do for the result to be in our favour. We have sensitised the electorate on the right way to vote so that their votes will not be void. The party has put the necessary machinery in place to place our opponents where they belong. The voters know that it is only APC that means well for them and victory is sure for us. As the popular saying goes, ‘the reward for good and hard work is more work’ and we are ready for more work.
What are the reasons for your confidence?
We have done a lot for Oshodi/Isolo people and they have not forgotten our performance while l was in office previously. They have the trust in us and they believe that if l am given another chance, I will do better. When I was the chairman during the former governor Babatunde Fashola administration, we showed the people the true meaning of governance. I have been empowering people in this community even in my own capacity. Voters are wiser and more sophisticated these days, but with the support we have received so far, our opponents should look for something else to do because we will defeat them convincingly. It took the efforts of the security personnel to clear the crowd so that I could find my way to my seat. It gladdens my heart that the people are pleased with what I have been doing and that is why they need me back.
If elected, what will be your priorities?
My first step is to unite the people of Oshodi so that we will be able to run an inclusive government. Our doors shall be open to positive criticisms that will benefit the people. When there is unity, development will be faster because everybody will contribute their own quota to drive governance. We will work assiduously to ensure that people walk and work without fear but to live in harmony. Businessmen should be able to go about their activities without being molested by one group or the other. The second area of focus will be maintenance of roads; good roads bring about accelerated development t. Education is also key, we will focus on it too. We shall encourage human capacity development, empowerment of the widows and plans are on to take the youths out of the street.
How do you plan to achieve all these considering the dwindling resources accruing to LGA?
I must be sincere with you and we have been open to our people that we can only work with the resources at our disposal. But one thing is sure; we will be prudent with whatever amount of revenue we generate. Our resolve is that 60 per cent of the revenue and allocation will be judiciously used for infrastructures.
What is your party doing to ensure your supporters maintain peace on the election?
I am very confident that there will be no violence on that day. The people that used to perpetrate violence are the ones going about now telling the electorate to maintain peace before, during and after the election. We have passed the stage of sensitising people to maintain peace because they have embraced the need for peaceful coexistence irrespective of party affiliation. Oshodi is calm and there is no cause for alarm.
What is your understanding of leadership?
For me, leadership is all about stewardship and selflessness. A leader should be someone who has many followers, with the ability to carry them along on the path of transformation. He must be ready to take insults and grow a thick skin. A leader must listen; take ideas and advice from people.