…urges citizens to give Gov maximum supports
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC , in Ondo State, Architect Tunde Imolehin has implored the people of Ondo State to give Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa all the support to move Ondo State forward.
In an exclusive interview with our Correspondent, Imolehin, who is the immediate Special Adviser to the FCT Minister on Environment and Waste Management said only the continuity of the legacies of Aketi can guarantee assurance and sustainable development in the Sunshine state.
The Ipele-Owo born renowned Environmentalist in conjunction with other leaders in Owo and Ose local governments is spearheading political support for the Aiyedatiwa/Adelami Ticket in the coming Governorship primaries in the state.
It appears you are more in Abuja than in the state. How true is that?
It is not true. Although I live and work in Abuja, I have a home and businesses in Ondo State. I pay salaries and taxes in both Abuja and Ondo. I own properties in both places and in terms of political representation, my impact is well felt in both the cities and the communities particularly at the grassroots. I am really a community person.
How have life and politics been since you left office as Special Adviser to the FCT Minister on Environment and Waste Management?
Fine. Besides politics, I am a versatile Architect. I run an Architectural and Construction firm. I am an Environmentalist and Sustainability Expert. Don’t also forget that I am a media owner and Communications Specialist among other positive and viable interests. I have a second address. I am presently a doctoral candidate at the Abuja Leadership Centre of the University of Abuja on Public Governance and Leadership.
For me, politics is a vocation.
Let’s look at the politics of Ondo State. There was an unfortunate transition which produced a new government. What is your take?
For me, what you cannot change, you live by it. Whichever way it came, change has come to Ondo State, we should accept it and move on. The death of our former governor who is yet to be interred is quite unfortunate. I have said so much about him already. Let his deeds on earth speak for him in death.
There is a new government of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. What is your assessment on him so far?
A lot has happened since he took over. I have met with him twice or so. He comes across as someone who loves peace and development. He wants to build on what is on ground. He wants to unite the party. He preaches inclusive government. He has been in the system long enough to deliver. He has the capacity. We should support him.
But there are still some dissenting voices…
Yes, there should be. It is normal. If there are not, he should be worried. So far, so good. People have lauded his decisions and actions so far. The Governor has shown rare courage even in these difficult times. I commend him.
One of the decisions of the Governor is the appointment of your kinsman, Chief Adelami
How do you see that? Did you see it coming?
Yes, I saw it coming. I knew about it well ahead of not a few. Aside being my kinsman who is well respected, Dr. Olayide Adelami is a proven democrat and technocrat. I know him personally. I have interacted with him severally. He will add great value to government. His appointment was both wise and strategic.
Do you have fears about life after Aketi in Ondo State?
Yes and No. I am a realist. My fear is about the state of party after the Governorship primary elections. We have too many strong individuals with established structures who want to be Governor. Some have been in the struggle for ages. Some are fresh but with intimidating structure and bold ambitions. The Governor too is also in the saddle. So we may have an explosion if care is not taken. But given past experience, we will manage it and the dust will settle. Even in the past when many had given up on the state, our party bounced back and we are still the ruling party. This will be a major test for Governor Aiyedatiwa, that is, how to manage the state and the party especially after the burial of Aketi.
As a top and influential politician yourself particularly in the state, where does your interest lie in all of these?
Those who understand my political trajectory know where I stand. I stand for truth, decency, merit and pragmatism. I believe the best should emerge. I believe we should have a strong, united party that can guarantee continuity and well- structured and sustainable policy implementations that will bring about positive results for the greatest majority. I believe the focus of governance should be on the vulnerable and the poor. They should indeed be the centerpiece of governance. I will therefore support continuity in the sunshine state. I pitch my tent with the Aiyedatiwa/Adelami ticket. It is soothing, solid, credible and impregnable.
