A gubernatorial aspirant under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Oyo state, Dr Morohunkola Thomas has said that he is more qualified than all the governorship aspirants in the state.
Morohunkola, the Executive Assistant (Political) to Governor Abiola Ajimobi while speaking on his gubernatorial ambition said this yesterday in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.
“I’m in the race to succeed Governor Ajimobi in 2019 by the grace of God. As you are well aware, I’m eminently prepared and qualified for that position. I have lend the political rope. I have served in different capacities, I have seen the ins and outs of government. I know where Oyo state was coming from, I know where Oyo state is today and I know where Oyo state should be tomorrow.
“So, there is no one that is more qualified than me in any of the political parties for this assignment in 2019. I have served my tutelage. I have paid my dues. I have taken a thorough understanding of the situation”
When asked about what makes him more qualified, Morohunkola Thomas affirmed that serving in various governments is a blessing to him and has given him opportunity to understand the dynamics of Oyo state politics.
“Serving in various governments gives me the opportunity to understand the dynamics of the Oyo state politics. That’s an edge over others. They may say they are technocrats, I’m also a technocrat, I’m well educated. I attended many universities in three continents – Africa, America and Europe.
“I’m more qualified than many of them. I’m an expert in development. I’m also an expert in public administration. So, I should know where Oyo state should be tomorrow more than those who have a fake knowledge of the political economy of this state. I’m an expert in governance.”
Contrary to rumour that the governor instructed him and others to join the gubernatorial race, he cleared the air saying:
“As far as I’m concerned, the governor did not ask me to contest. And as much as I know this governor, he wouldn’t ask you to go and do anything you don’t have interest in. I have been piloting my political career about three decades now.
“And I know the time, I was waiting for this time. In 2003, people came urging me to contest and I felt it was not the time but this is the time for me to do so. This is not about Governor Ajimobi using anybody to put credibility on any process.
“Governor Ajimobi himself is an eminent democrat. I’m a serious candidate. I’m in this for seriousness. It’s not the governor that’s prompting anybody. There was no announcement in any cabinet meeting about that.”
When asked whether he will drop the APC for another party paradeventure he did not get the ticket. He said:
“Let me tell you, I have gone a long way in politics, since 1979 till this time. Let me say it categorically here that it’s only God that enthrones a leader. You cannot force yourself on the people.
“If it happens that I don’t get the ticket. I will not leave this party. And I will not abandoned Governor Ajimobi. I’m one of his disciples and I’m in his political caucus. A very prominent member for that matter. I’m not going to say because of the primary whatever that I’m going to abandon the party. I’m going to work very hard to get the ticket.”
When asked about his plan for the state which will differentiate him from other aspirants. He said:
“Well, every regime is different from another. But if I become Governor, I will pay attention to some issues particularly in driving the economy of this state. We must take this state from the level of a civil service state to an economically buoyant state.
“There are many sectors of the economy that we must touch to bring about life into this state. We must look at Agriculture and its value change We must also look at sports that people say its money consuming. It can help in bringing about a develop economy.
“We must organize an integrated economy approach in the development of Oyo state. We must look at every sectors. What major agenda that I will pursue will take Oyo economy from this level to another level of high productivity, level of specialisation. The level that unemployment will be reduced to bearest minimum. You will see my economy blueprint very soon.”
