My Campaign Is Based On Issues
Prince Olusola Akanmode needs little introduction when it comes to the politics in Kogi State. He is one of the political leaders that has contributed to the growth and development of the state. As the race to the Lugard House in the 2011 elections inches closer, Prince Akanmode, popularly called ‘The Bridge’, remains one of the top contenders for the PDP governorship ticket. He speaks on why he believes he is the best man for the job. Excerpts:
As one of the founding administrators of Kogi State, has your dream for the state been realised?
Let me say this with every sense of responsibility and respect for all those who have contributed in one way or the other to moving the state forward, that though Kogi State is not where it should be yet, some movement has been made. The state is obviously not what it was when it was created. The state has witnessed some level of development. The question now is are we satisfied with what we have on ground? That will be an obvious No. As humans, we will always want more and the truth is that we deserve more in Kogi State. Those who have ruled the state have done their bit and we must always appreciate their contribution to the growth of the state. It is now time for some other people to come in and contribute their own quota. This is why I am offering myself to serve the people of Kogi State as governor in the coming election.
What difference would you like to make?
Let me quickly correct this; it may not be a case of neglect or oversight that some things are not done or certain areas were not touched but that of focus, direction and blueprint. Not everybody has the same focus or blueprint. For me, I have a blueprint that seeks to turn around the lot of the state and its people. I have a programme of transformation for good. Somebody said even if we don’t do anything, societies will always transform. But we need deliberate efforts and focus to guide the direction and speed of transformation. My team has come up with a blueprint of positive action that will drastically transform the state. We are targeting industrial transformation. Kogi does not have any business being a civil service state. We can become an industrial hub in the country because we have the resources. What is needed is positive action that will bring about that transformation. Everything flows from vision and the capacity to imagine the unimaginable and bring dreams into reality. That is how it was done in Singapore, in Malaysia, in Dubai and other parts of the world where knowledge based economies are the order of the day. It is a question of appreciating the need and doing what is necessary to bring the state into the global economy loop.
So, one major area of concern to me will be the social and political integration of the state, which is an indispensable condition for galvanizing the people for development. I therefore intend to work hard to bring together all Kogi people at home and in the Diaspora so that we can harness their well-known talents for the attainment of shared vision.
Secondly, we will work hard to bridge the gap between our potential in the area of human, mineral and natural resources and the level of development on ground. Thirdly, we will bring about a new development paradigm in which Kogi will be brought into the mainstream of global development by attracting capital, corporations, consumers and communication technology (the 4Cs) into the state. We will revolutionise the way government business is perceived and conducted. We will revolutionise the delivery of services especially in the area of education and health. We will make Kogi an industrial powerhouse and a haven for tourism, taking advantage of our proximity to the federal capital. These are just glimpses into our blueprint for more rapid development of the state.
In Kogi PDP, you have other aspirants who want the same ticket; what makes you think your party members will prefer to hand over the ticket to you?
One cannot shy away from the fact that we have many others who are also interested in getting the nod of the party to fly its flag at the governorship election come 2011 but when you analyse some of these people, you will discover that there are contenders and there are pretenders. As to why my party men should prefer me, many of them remember and appreciate my contribution in the formative days of the party, especially in the provision of office accommodation, payment of secretariat staff etc. More importantly, our party men and women cannot forget my efforts between 1999 and 2003 to keep the party strong and vibrant and to resist the onslaught of the ruling ANPP. Perhaps, more than any other person, I created the environment in which the party could dislodge the ruling party in the 2003 elections.
Apart from these contributions, to the party, I believe I am one of the most adequately prepared for the office of Governor in terms of knowledge of the environment, knowledge of the workings of government, track record of performance, exposure, capacity for work and passion for development. The people of the state, particularly civil servants, remember vividly the record of my service as Secretary to Government. Many Nigerians also know the experience and integrity I brought to bear during my tenure as Deputy Chief of Staff at the Presidency. Furthermore, more than any other aspirant, I have moved round the state to connect with the people and unfold my vision and programmes. I have demonstrated in and out of office that I have the common touch.
Looking at the voting pattern in the state since 1999 when the nation returned to democracy, the Igala seemed to have dominated because of their numerical strength; are you not bothered that may be the case this time around?
Let me start by saying that I do not believe in ethnic or tribal politics but that of ideas and competency. The numerical strength of the eastern senatorial district must not be seen as an obstacle if we are to do things right. I believe even our Igala brothers and sisters want a better life. They want somebody who can deliver the goods and take them to their desired destination. We are all stakeholders in Kogi State and I am sure they too will want this state to move forward. I have worked well with Igala people and a lot of them are my friends and they know what stuff I am made of. We are reaching out to them and by the grace of God, I know they will gladly give me their mandate. I am not hinging my campaign on ethnic platform but on all-Kogi platform. My campaign is based on issues and clear statements on not only on how I am different from others but on what difference I can make. During my tour of local governments in Igalaland, there were several testimonies of how I used my office in the Presidency to touch the lives of many people in Igalaland. I am confident that I will be a beneficiary of the numerical strength you referred to because many Igala will see me as the best choice and cast their votes for me.
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