A don and Accord Party chieftain, Prof. Abideen Olaiya Olaitan, has declared his interest in contesting the governorship election in Oyo State in 2019.
Olaitan declared his interest at a forum held in Ibadan on Thursday.
Olaitan is an associate professor of Crop and Eco-Physiology at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
The don said that governance was all about selfless service to humanity, adding that Oyo State deserved the best of service delivery.
“My aspiration is prompted by a desire for good governance. I see the absence of good governance in all the successive governments in Oyo State.
“Corruption has eaten deep into the polity. It has adversely affected the standard of education, health, infrastructure and economy of the state,” he said.
Olaitan wondered why people in government steal public funds after they had been provided with all that would make them govern effectively.
He stated that successive governments in the state had always paid lip service to economic development.
“Development can’t be achieved in any society when the people are hungry. My administration would ensure the food system is strengthened and the economy enhanced.
“As a professional, I understand that practical development of the economy is endowed in agriculture. Our state deserves a better economy and real quick industrialisation.
“This, I intend doing through the implementation of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s agriculture master plan,” he said.
Olaitan disabused the minds of those who describe politics as a dirty game, saying it as an exercise which depends largely on those involved.
He expressed optimism that Accord Party would rule the state, insisting it was the only visible and vibrant opposition platform in the state.
“God willing, Accord Party will rule this state in 2019. We have tasted the two other parties, PDP and APC.
“We have seen their best but it is not enough to move the state forward. Accord Party will emerge naturally.
“We have a lot of people here who share the same value of rendering selfless service to the people,” he said.
The event was attended by party supporters and other well-wishers.
