Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle has said that the need to bring unprecedented development and representation to Oyo South senatorial district are some of the reasons why he is in the race.
Ibikunle, who was personal assistant to late former governor Lamidi Adesina, hails from Lanlate area of Ibarapa East local government area of Oyo State.
Oyo South senatorial district consists of six and three local government areas in Ibadan and Ibarapa respectively.
The only time anybody from Ibarapa represented the district was between 1999 and 2003 when Sen. Peter Adeyemo was elected under the Alliance for Demmocracy.
According to Ibikunle, those who have represented the district at the Senate have done their best “but their best has not been enough for our people.”
Ibikunle, who was recently inaugurated as the chairman of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, added that “apart from the fact that I am qualified educationally having attended the Lagos State University, LASU, University of Ibadan, UI, and the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, my many years of involvement in politics has prepared me for the task ahead.”
“For close to 20 years, I have dealt with politicians and decision makers. My deep involvement in politics, especially with late Alhaji Lamidi Adesina, who was a lawmaker before becoming governor has helped a lot; to know deeply the functions of both,” he noted.
Speaking further: “the district needs robust representation. We have seen the giant strides few of these senators, though from other states, have made. Apart from quality bills and motions that concern the people, a lawmaker must always be available to listen to the yearnings of his constituents.
“We cannot continue with the era of showing petty things as constituency projects. While I agree that a leader should take his people to the right place, sitting down with them constantly will go a long way in knowing their needs and make them thing the right way. Most of the things provided as constituency projects are old fashioned. It is time we thought of things that will have direct impact on our people. I believe I can do it better.”
He added that “quality bills and motions can help in alleviating the sufferings of our people. We have to start from the basics. After these have been settled, other things can be done. This is one of the ways to represent our people. We have to be concerned about their plights.”
Ask if he nurses any fear about the ambition of incumbent Adesoji Akanbi and Governor Abiola Ajimobi, he explained that “we are brothers from the same party. That’s one of the beauties of democracy. While I have respect for the duo, I make bold to say that I would triumph at the end of the day, especially if the game is played according to the rule.”
