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With days to the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to remain impartial. Speaking with journalists in Lagos, the former Commissioner for Finance and immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority denied that his party was behind recent violence in the state. He also unveiled his development blueprint, the Prosperity Agenda.
What makes you better prepared to govern Osun than the current governor?
My public service record speaks for itself. I served as Commissioner for Finance under Governors Rauf Aregbesola and Adegboyega Oyetola. Before that, I was Managing Director of the Osun Investment Company Limited, now Omoluabi Holdings.
Those roles exposed me to public finance, investment management and economic planning. My concern is that federal allocations have risen sharply without matching development.
At the end of Governor Oyetola’s administration, Osun received about N2.6 billion monthly from the Federation Account. Today the state receives an average of N16 billion.
Yet the people have not seen commensurate improvements in infrastructure or welfare. Several projects were allegedly awarded without transparency.
Many have reportedly deteriorated before completion. Osun deserves a technocrat who understands public finance and can deliver measurable development.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has accused your party of responsibility for the violence. What is your response?
The APC is a peaceful party. We have never believed power should be attained through bloodshed. Our commitment has always been to peaceful campaigns.
Before the 2022 governorship election, we wrote to the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner of Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. We drew attention to intelligence suggesting violence was being planned.
We warned that vehicles painted in APC colours were allegedly being used by criminal elements to implicate our party. We submitted all available intelligence, because anyone found culpable should face justice regardless of affiliation.
Our fears were not unfounded. In my local government, the Chairman of Irewole Local Government, Hon. Remi Abass, was killed within the council secretariat.
We have documented several politically motivated attacks on our members.
Those cases remain before the courts. We have lost no fewer than 25 members to politically related violence since the crisis preceding the 2022 election.
The Inspector-General of Police visited Osun and publicly alleged that individuals linked to criminal activities were being harboured in Government House.
Reports also emerged of a suspected criminal arrested at the residence of the Secretary to the State Government.
Our members were reportedly attacked in Ede. Rather than politicising insecurity, government should ensure all perpetrators are prosecuted. I appeal to INEC and the security agencies to remain neutral and professional.
What will you do differently if elected?
Our manifesto, the Prosperity Agenda, is a covenant with the people. It is a roadmap for economic growth and inclusive governance.
Restoring confidence in the public service is a priority. We will ensure prompt payment of salaries and improve workers’ welfare.
Within our first 100 days, we shall review all outstanding entitlements owed to serving and retired workers, and begin settling verified obligations.
We are committed to making the Dagbolu Dry Port fully operational, given its potential to stimulate commerce and create jobs.
Through strategic partnerships, we will train at least 10,000 young people in information and communication technology. On security, we intend to institutionalise monthly meetings of the State Security Council involving security agencies, traditional rulers and local government leaders.
In the energy sector, we will commence pilot off-grid renewable projects in selected public institutions and rural communities. We will also conduct a fiscal sustainability review and a statewide infrastructure audit.
How do you assess Governor Adeleke’s administration?
My major concern is what residents describe as the Ede-nisation of governance. Our analysis of major infrastructure projects over the past three and a half years indicates a disturbing concentration of investment within Ede Federal Constituency. The state committed about N362.3 billion to 20 major projects in the period. Eight projects worth about N260.5 billion were located within Ede Federal Constituency alone.
That is roughly 71.9 per cent of total expenditure. The remaining 12 projects, worth about N101.8 billion, were shared among the other eight federal constituencies.
Osogbo, despite being the state capital, reportedly received three projects worth N31.2 billion, about 8.6 per cent. Ile-Ife received projects worth N17.6 billion.
Ilesa received one project valued at N16.5 billion, and that was the dualisation of a federal highway for which the Federal Government has reportedly refunded about N12 billion.
Iwo reportedly got projects worth N9.8 billion, Ila N9.4 billion, Ikirun N9 billion and Ijebu-Jesa N8 billion. Most strikingly, Ikire Federal Constituency reportedly received one project valued at about N29.97 million. That is 0.01 per cent of the total reviewed. This imbalance raises serious questions about fairness and equity.
If such disparities exist in a first term, people naturally wonder what a second term would bring.
Why did you choose your running mate?
We wanted someone youthful, energetic and competent, with a proven record of service. More importantly, he shares our vision for a prosperous Osun. Together we present a balanced and credible ticket.
Does the APC have what it takes to win?
Absolutely. We have engaged directly with people across the state and the response has been encouraging. We have the structures and we have the support. On August 15, I believe the people of Osun will vote for competence, experience and inclusive development. We remain optimistic that victory will be ours.
