Chief Oluwole Oluleye (aka Oluomo) is a seasoned technocrat and pioneer Executive Secretary of Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPRA). In this interview, he explains his motivation to contest Ekiti State governorship race on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
What informs your aspiration to govern Ekiti State?
I have always been a keen watcher of politics in Nigeria and particularly in my state, Ekiti State. What one finds worrisome and disturbing in the recent times is the general perception of an average Ekiti man. Ekiti now features in the news for wrong reasons and for who we are not. As a proud Ekiti man, I felt pained by these developments, and I decided to step out of my shell and turn the tides for good. Well meaning Ekiti people, who have been keen observers of my humble achievements as a technocrat and a public servant also approached me and requested that I come out to redeem our image and integrity. This is a challenge that I voluntarily took. Having done my home work, I am convinced that I can make the difference in governance, administration and wealth creation in Ekiti State.
And are you confident that you would clinch the party’s ticket at the primaries?
Prior to my official declaration of interest, I had moved round every nook and cranny of the state, visiting, consulting, observing, and feeling the pulse of the great people of Ekiti State, both the high and the low. That affords me the opportunity to know the desires of every ward and local government in the state. I know where the shoe pinches within party structure and beyond. I can boldly say those who need to know me in Ekiti politics already know me. What is left is to keep up the tempo and preach the gospel of change. And I am confident of then victory.
In a clime where politics is highly monetized, are you sure your pocket is deep enough for this adventure?
I think it goes beyond food and gifts. If you know Ekiti people very well, you will know that we are proud people, we are people of integrity, we are people who want to be respected, we are people who want to be heard, we are highly opinionated people. I do not think food or money will be a determinant of their decisions. Yes, money is a huge factor in politics, but in Ekiti, it is not the determining factor. I stand to be proved wrong.
No doubt, you parade intimidating credentials as a seasoned technocrat. How far do you think your credential can take you in this contest?
I think my modest achievements give me more electoral values than someone with known vocation or career. I have had a fulfilled career spanning over 33 years both as a public servant and a technocrat. I rose steadily in cadre and responsibilities from the National Productivity Centre, to the pioneer Executive Secretary of Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) as well as Executive Secretary, Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), amongst other national assignments. In all of these assignments and duties, I have had cause to play politics to get certain things done and meet my targets. I have also travelled far and wide to enable me think global and act local, bringing to bear those experiences garnered over a period of 33 years.
After years of meritorious service to Nigeria, I am now back to my hometown, Efon Alaaye, as an entrepreneur. I run a poultry farm through which I have been able to provide income for over 400 Efon Alaaye and Ekiti State indigenes in terms of sales of outputs and proceeds from the farm. All these experiences are what I intend to bring to bear to ensure good governance in Ekiti State. Ekiti people are yearning for change. They are earnestly looking for a credible candidate. All I need to do is to convince them of my genuine desires to make the difference. And that exactly is what I am doing.
Precisely, what refreshing things are you bringing to the table?
I plan to right all the wrongs. Like I said earlier, I know where the shoe pinches. It suffices here to say that I have come with a blue print to address those missing gaps and make our Party and Ekiti State great again. By the time our party and the INEC release the guidelines for the election, I will reel out comprehensive plans on what we will do to address the challenges facing the state.
Ekiti is considered a disadvantaged state because of lack of industries that can fetch revenue. How do you intend to change this?
If you think we cannot generate enough IGR to run Ekiti State, I will show you the blueprint of a determined man, willing to turn the tides round. I have said it in different fora, in Ekiti State, we have enough human and natural capital to propel our economy and make it buoyant. Monthly allocation from the centre is good enough for us to plan and stabilize, but it is not good enough for geometric growth. We must, as a matter of urgency, look inwards and harness our resources for a better and prosperous Ekiti State. Look at what is happening between Kebbi and Lagos State as regards rice planting, packaging and marketing. Ekiti can achieve more. We have the capacity to partner with neigbouring states for mutually beneficial projects. Given the opportunity, I have quick fixes and long term projects. Ekiti, I repeat, is not a poor State. I will generate enough without painful deductions from workers and without levying growing businesses to death. It is all about strategic thinking.
If you eventually scale through, are you going to retain the LCDAs or scrap them?
LCDAs have come to stay. It is a legacy project aimed at fast tracking development. It enhances development at the grassroots level. The same argument advanced to support the clamour for state creation is the same for the creation of more local governments. The merits actually outweigh the demerits.