As 2019 draws nearer, the lawmaker representing Ibadan North State constituency 2 in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Olusegun Olaleye, has disclosed that he would not be seeking a return to the Assembly as he is interested in representing Ibadan North federal constituency in the House of Representatives.
In an exclusive chat with insideoyo.com, the two-term lawmaker said he is confident that he would make it as he has all it takes to be trusted with the seat.
According to Radical, as the former president of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, is fondly called, “I’m contesting for a seat in the House of Representative because I believe that in any journey of life, there must be progression. There must be what I call advancement ,what I call strategic advancement system so that you will be able to showcase your ability, your innate potentials to cover a wider coverage.
He spoke further: “I want what I am doing in the small microcosm of constituency 2 to expand to a more larger sphere, more bigger than this, which has to do with my federal constituency.
“My constituents have seen what my representation has been able to do for them. That is why I want to represent my people further, to grow within the system, put a more articulate representation at the federal level, to be a voice that will be strong at the federal level.
“Look at what happened recently at the level of the national assembly, the issue of UBEC fund. We need laws that will help our state. Like the UBEC counterpart fund, it shouldn’t be 50 per cent but as little as 10 per cent. We will look at those grey areas that we will need to strengthen good governance at all levels with prgamatic laws, amendment and representation.
“I must let you that this is not the first time I will be coming on the national scene because as a former president of NANS, I attended many national programmes, summit etc. In fact, I was one of the youth representatives at the 2005 constitutional confab of former president Olusegun Obasanjo. I was part of those who punctured the third term ambition of the ex-president.
“My presence in the House of Representatives will even bring more development to my people and other areas that will touch the lives of my people in many positive ways, as I will have access to more resources to do more.”
Asked if he is not afraid that the constitueny is elitist and that he would be contesting against political heavyweights, he said that he nurses no fear.
Hear him: “The incumbent is contesting governorship election as at today. That I am contesting against big politicians is a tissue and not issue because as far as I am concerned, it is God that gives power to people. I believe I am better prepared and equipped among my contemporaries. It’s an agenda I am set for and to God be the glory, I am telling you confidently that I, Olusegun Olaleye, will represent Ibadan North at the House of Representatives.
“This is an elitist council, they know what they want. As of today, I have no fear of any candidate coming out against me. It’s a settled game, a settled process. The people are ready to push me forward. Being there will not be a strange place for me because in the National Assembly, there is a class distinction, it will be on your pedigree. I will be a ranking member. I know what it takes, I know what they want,” he concluded.
