Gubernatorial Candidate of Alliance for Democracy(AD) at forth coming governorship election in Ogun State, Oluseyi Gavriel Olufade Olowookere has said that Ogun State must be repositioned for development.
Olufade Olowookere who said this at the World Press Conference on the State of the Polity in Ogun State and the 2019 elections on Saturday, also said the AD, is concerned about the recent political developments in the state.
“We are quite concerned that recent happenings in our polity, particularly in Ogun State as witnessed by many do not foster peace and progress.
“In the Alliance for Democracy, we have three key commitments; a political commitment that seeks to create wealth, breed a new, morally upright, and credible political class with the capacity to provide qualitative leadership.
“The second commitment is an economic commitment that seeks to increase efficiency and productivity in all sectors, enhance investment environments, and strengthen SMEs.
“Thirdly is a social commitment that aims to improve social welfare, security, grant free education and healthcare, stem brain drain and gainfully engage our youths,” he said.
The candidate also told journalists at the event that the party’s vision for Ogun State is a self-sustaining state on the path of consistent
growth in critical human, capital and economic indicators year on year; a place where everyone desires to live, work and play.
He said the AD will achieve this through simple governance principles, using innovation and technology.
Olufade Olowookere who grew in the south western Ogun State stated that “As a child and growing up, the Ogun State I knew was the best in Nigeria in terms of human capital development, industry and education. Today, our beloved state has declined to become the poorest in the Southwest with a 29.7% poverty rate, education decline of over 20%, an abysmal doctor to patient ratio of 1:6,000, deplorable state of roads in over 70% of the State and high unemployment at over 28%.
“We are a distant third in terms of revenue generation in Nigeria and doing very poorly in terms of fiscal sustainability. Urban and suburban development is at a halt, environmental sustainability, agriculture and mineral resources derivation is suboptimal.
“The Alliance for Democracy Government will change this tide to a positive and sustainable one.
“It is time for a new thing; a government that is driven by committed, capable, credible young people with a commitment to serve both at the executive and legislative arm. Alliance for Democracy is the only party in Ogun State today with these characteristics.”
Talking about Nigerian politics and god fatherism, he said, “We have no godfather. We will ensure youth employment; we will cater to the civil service and provide good welfare, we will bring back free education, free healthcare, rapid rural development and restoration of our pride in industry and agriculture.
“Our women, our mothers, are critical for socioeconomic viability of the family; we will ensure their trades are supported for better profitability, he said.
Condemning acts of political hooliganism in the state, he noted that, “Some political parties want to make Ogun State worse and not livable. They want to perpetuate poor governance and impoverishment of our people.
“Who are they? The parties that are perpetuating fraud, buying votes, shooting, maiming, and threatening everybody. At the recently concluded National Elections, the APM, APC and PDP impersonated AD agents across most of the polling units in the state. We found out, arrested a few of the impersonators, and reported to INEC, the police and the SSS.
“The perpetrators are being investigated and will be brought to book. We are a lawful party made up of credible candidates, we will not condone electoral fraud. We are aware they have more sinister plans for the forthcoming election on the 9th March. They will fail at it.
“In the desperate quest to prevent the Alliance for Democracy from winning in the forthcoming election, they keep tearing our posters, destroying our boards and publicity materials and even buying up appearance slots in media houses to mute us or prevent us from talking. As the flagbearer of the party, my security has been threatened and breached a few times by unscrupulous elements. I am being careful and fearful but will neither cower nor back out. No retreat, no surrender. They may have money and godfathers; we have God and the people; God is my Father.
“We have been endorsed by various groups ranging from the youth which has the most significant constituency, the women society, religious bodies, professional bodies, market and butchers’ associations, and trade unions.
“We cherish the peoples’ trust that we have, and we are confident of victory at the polls.
On rumour making the rounds that the AD has adopted the governorship of another candidate, Olufade Olowookere said, “These desperate individuals in the political space are circulating fake news that AD has adopted the gubernatorial candidate of another party. As a progressive party comprising of the most credible set of candidates in Ogun State’s political history, let it be known to the world that we will not sell the people’s trust and mandate given to us to contest and represent them for a morsel of cheap bread.
“We cannot be associated with individuals who are wanted by local and international law enforcement agencies in the name of politics, let alone adopting the candidate of a conservative party. Water never mixes with oil; likewise light does not mix with darkness.”
“We, therefore, assure all our supporters and well-wishers across the length and breadth of Ogun State that there is and will be no such thing as the adoption of any candidate. It is a lie and fake news being peddled by mischievous elements in our polity.”
Appreciating the current Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Olufade Olowookere said, “I want to particularly say this to my big brother and our Oga, Governor Ibikunle Amosun. Thank you for the development of Egba; it is said that without you, many children may never know what a bridge looks like unless they travel to Lagos or other States.
“I believe your intent to hand over to an Ogun West successor is fair and just. As Chief Executive and Security Officer, your posturing and utterances of late threaten the peace and stability of the polity.
“God has been gracious and merciful to you; we have also rewarded you by ensuring your return to the Senate. You are the governor and father to all, please do not let this election blindfold you sir. Let there be fair play amongst all candidates.”
He also called on the Federal Government and relevant agencies to ensure a credible election.
“We call on the Federal Government, INEC, Security Agencies, observer groups, CSOs, and well-meaning political parties to ensure the upcoming election in Ogun State is free, fair and credible.
“INEC and security Agencies are particularly requested to be non-partisan, just and fair in their conducts.
“The just concluded national elections were fraught with a lot of fraud, irregularities and violence, this should not repeat itself. We have evidence of vote buying, falsification of results, prevention of party agents from signing result sheets and intimidation. INEC and Security agencies have a responsibility to restore the hope of the electorate in the power of the ballot.
“Nigerians at home and abroad are watching, and the international community is watching. To the APC led government and party in Ogun State, we are aware you want to win Ogun State “at all cost”. A gubernatorial candidate who cannot appear at any debate to intellectually engage colleagues and the people is “bad market”; yet the APC wants to sell a “bad market” to the people of Ogun State.
“Fortunately, only the will of the people as permitted by God will prevail. Ogun State deserves better.
He however called on the people of Ogun State to participate in the forthcoming election.
“Our message to the good people of Ogun State is to please come out and vote out these unscrupulous elements in our political space. Your vote is your power. Do not vote for parties that have so far demonstrated violence, thuggery and disrespect for constituted authority. Stoning the president of the Federal Republic is an affront and disrespect to the constitution of the Federal Republic and protocols of God Almighty. Enough of godfatherism in Ogun State. Vote for Alliance for Democracy. We are here to restore hope and a better life.
“Think about free education, free healthcare, jobs and rural development. When sworn in as the Governor of Ogun State come May 29 2019, I pledge to deliver a good, transparent, merit-driven, innovative, sustainable and simple governance in line with the Alliance for Democracy manifesto. E Je Ka gbe OGO Ogun jade o.”
