The political terrain in Nigeria has been up and running despite criticisms on our democratic structure, we forge ahead; the country has been successful to pass dispensation from one democratic government to another in the past decade, international community believes our electoral structure needs reformation the national assembly is responsible for bills to appropriate the electoral reforms especially in the coming 2011 presidential and general elections,
Some part of the country have seen rerun election in most governorship and senatorial district across the country a decision decided at the high court the electoral tribunals have seen many political holders being replaced with other candidate and some returning to the elective post in some part of the country
State and local government are embarking on developmental project like capital project road construction, youth and sport development, heath development ensuring health centers springing up all over the country however there are still rooms for criticisms, and question to be raised this and more will be deliberated in the forum
Nigerian celebrities online are particular about the major players in the political corridor, as we be bringing special interview to undermined personal profile and level of development in their state and constituency.
Your comment is welcome once again
Some part of the country have seen rerun election in most governorship and senatorial district across the country a decision decided at the high court the electoral tribunals have seen many political holders being replaced with other candidate and some returning to the elective post in some part of the country
State and local government are embarking on developmental project like capital project road construction, youth and sport development, heath development ensuring health centers springing up all over the country however there are still rooms for criticisms, and question to be raised this and more will be deliberated in the forum
Nigerian celebrities online are particular about the major players in the political corridor, as we be bringing special interview to undermined personal profile and level of development in their state and constituency.
Your comment is welcome once again
CHIEF Rotimi Solomon Ajanaku, is a young and successful businessman with interest in agriculture, hotel, tourism, transportations, as well as oil and gas. He is contesting election into the Federal House of Representatives under the platform of the Action Congress AC). In this interview with SEYE ADENIYI and OPEYEMI OLAKUNLE, he takes a look at the political environment in the country, the tough business climate of country and why he decides to go into politics among other sundry issues.
AS a successful business man, one would be surprised at your decision to go into politics considering the hurdles involve, Are you sure there is no hidden agenda or motives behind your decision?I quite appreciate your skepticism and your concern. I’m very sure that your question is hinged on the fact that the Nigerian political atmosphere is full of uncertainties. I also salute your courage for asking this vital question, but I want to tell you that I’m an optimist, a courageous person with a heart that cannot be easily broken. In fact, I have a stony faith that cannot easily be melted no matter the condition.
Many people also believe that Nigerian political atmosphere is full of uncertainties and that nobody can predict it. Are you not afraid of operating in such a hazy and unpredictable atmosphere?Let me tell you, uncertainties are everywhere and not in politics alone. Even the life we are living is full of uncertainties and that is why it is often said that nobody can predict tomorrow. Aside that, I’m one person who loves challenges which some people call competition. I don’t run away from compeititions.
Also, no man is an island and whatever you are doing and there are no challenges or critisism then such a person may not succeed or go far in life. That is the way politics is being practised in developed nations of the world and that is how it should be in our country if truly we want to practise true democracy.
However, if everybody is afraid of going into politics, it then means we would continue to have bad or misfit leaders and we may not develop as we expect. So, that is my view of politics.
So what type of politics do you want to practise?Not the chop-I-chop politics that many people know.
How do you mean?You see, many people believe that the essence of going into politics is to go and chop and that is why the public would not have confidence in many politicians. Some people also believe that politicians are liars and should never be trusted. So there is need to correct these wrong impressions and perceptions about Nigerian politics. By the grace of God, when we are elected into political office, our people will see a different type of leadership and followership entirely. We are out to serve and to change the political climate. People will see experience and purposeful leadership and we are out to re-write the political history of Nigeria.
Are you not scared of the PDP, your party main rival?I think you are skeptical because of their political records and antecedent in previous elections. But I want to emphasise it again that there is no fear within our camp. We in the camp of the progressives are fully prepared for 2011 election. We expect free and fair election and I want to repeat that I’m not afraid of any political party irrespective of their names.
I can assure you that the 2011 election is going to be bumper-to-bumper in terms of election monitoring, counting of votes and participation. Nothing shall be taken for granted and it is also going to be very tough and difficult for election riggers because wahala dey for them in 2011 election.
Do you think any election can be free and fair in the country with what happened in previous elections? Are you not gambling or building castle in the air with your political ambition?Let me tell you, we can conduct free and fair elections in the country if we implement the recommendations of Justice Uwais led Committe on Electoral Reform. I believe the processes of our electoral reform have started. I also believe that the National Assembly will do the right thing about the electoral reform report before it.
You are not behaving like an average Nigerian because you are sounding very optimistic. Don’t you think you may be disappointed at the end of the day? It is true people are skeptical about future elections in the country, but I will advise the youths not to lose hope about the future of the country. We want youths to come out and participate in building Nigeria because the future belongs to them. Government should also encourage us and stimulate our interest in nation building by carrying out various developmental programmes. Concerning 2011 election, which I’ve signified my interst to participate by contesting for a seat in the Federal House of Representatives, I appeal to our youths to join the group of progressives so that we can salvage our dear country from the present mess.
There is also the need for the government to start preparing for the 2011 general election. Anybody that is 18 years of age and above who had registered to vote should be given the opportunity to register.
Why are you pitching your tent with the AC? Are you sure you can wrestle power from the ruling party that pride itself as the biggest and largest in Africa?Have you ever seen a permenent champion in life? You can only have a current champion. Besides, anybody can call himself any name. What I know is that the political history of this country is going to change for good in 2011 when the progressives will come on board. Everything in life is a challenge and I’m not afraid of challenges. If you are afraid to take back your heritage in your family or a community, then you may be a slave forever.
Many people in politics have personalised the country. Such people are running the afffairs of the nation as if it is their personal property. Meawhile, there are millions of jobless people around, the rate of crime is increasing everyday, innocent, and promising people are being wasted everyday in the country. We should know that whatever you have, God gives you the opportunity to acquire it, so that you can use such wealth, wisdom or knowledge or material to better the lives of those people around you. But many political office holders in Nigeria often fail to realise these facts.
What actually motivated you to join politics and who is your mentor or role model?I joined politics beause of our youths. The question we need to ask our present crops of leaders is that, in the next 20 to 30 years to come, where would they be? With the way they are governing the nation presently, how would Nigeria be in the next 20 to 30 years? What is the hope of our youths in this country in 20 to 30 years to come?
I’m also joining politics to make changes and to prove that what Chief Obafemi Awolowo did during his time can still be repeated. We still have God-fearing people, especially among the youths, who can do better. Some other people and I are joining politics to show our people that we have more of Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) in waiting and such young people are ready to turn Nigeria around for good if given the opportunity to serve the country.
Also, you cannot do it alone, but one can still contribute his own quota to nation building. Therfore, joining politics does not actually mean you are a politician or that politics is meant for only politicians. Anybody can be in politics provided you are ready to serve. In fact, I believe that to be an agent of change is better beause the simple interpretation of a politician in Nigeria means a naked liar.
Concerning your other question, I want to say that I was not advised by anybody to join politics, but I emulate the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who produced a successor that is now outstanding in performance.
Furthermore, within my region, which is South-West, people like Chief Lamidi Adesina, the former governor of Oyo State, late Adekunle Ajasin, late Chief Bola Ige and some other true Awoists and not the chop-I-chop Awoist always inspire me.
How do we describe Rotimi Ajanaku?I see myself as somebody with unique and uncommon human feelings and I dont like to set my eyes on people suffering for no cause because it can give me mental disorder. I try to better the lives of people around me with the little God has given me. Above all, we should always remember that there is nothing you have in life that was not given to you by God. One of the fundamental laws of wealth is that we brought nothing to this sinful world and it is certain that we will not take anything out of it. We were born naked and it is certain that we would go naked no matter how expensive the garment they may use to wrap us when we die. May God gives us good and long life.
AS a successful business man, one would be surprised at your decision to go into politics considering the hurdles involve, Are you sure there is no hidden agenda or motives behind your decision?I quite appreciate your skepticism and your concern. I’m very sure that your question is hinged on the fact that the Nigerian political atmosphere is full of uncertainties. I also salute your courage for asking this vital question, but I want to tell you that I’m an optimist, a courageous person with a heart that cannot be easily broken. In fact, I have a stony faith that cannot easily be melted no matter the condition.
Many people also believe that Nigerian political atmosphere is full of uncertainties and that nobody can predict it. Are you not afraid of operating in such a hazy and unpredictable atmosphere?Let me tell you, uncertainties are everywhere and not in politics alone. Even the life we are living is full of uncertainties and that is why it is often said that nobody can predict tomorrow. Aside that, I’m one person who loves challenges which some people call competition. I don’t run away from compeititions.
Also, no man is an island and whatever you are doing and there are no challenges or critisism then such a person may not succeed or go far in life. That is the way politics is being practised in developed nations of the world and that is how it should be in our country if truly we want to practise true democracy.
However, if everybody is afraid of going into politics, it then means we would continue to have bad or misfit leaders and we may not develop as we expect. So, that is my view of politics.
So what type of politics do you want to practise?Not the chop-I-chop politics that many people know.
How do you mean?You see, many people believe that the essence of going into politics is to go and chop and that is why the public would not have confidence in many politicians. Some people also believe that politicians are liars and should never be trusted. So there is need to correct these wrong impressions and perceptions about Nigerian politics. By the grace of God, when we are elected into political office, our people will see a different type of leadership and followership entirely. We are out to serve and to change the political climate. People will see experience and purposeful leadership and we are out to re-write the political history of Nigeria.
Are you not scared of the PDP, your party main rival?I think you are skeptical because of their political records and antecedent in previous elections. But I want to emphasise it again that there is no fear within our camp. We in the camp of the progressives are fully prepared for 2011 election. We expect free and fair election and I want to repeat that I’m not afraid of any political party irrespective of their names.
I can assure you that the 2011 election is going to be bumper-to-bumper in terms of election monitoring, counting of votes and participation. Nothing shall be taken for granted and it is also going to be very tough and difficult for election riggers because wahala dey for them in 2011 election.
Do you think any election can be free and fair in the country with what happened in previous elections? Are you not gambling or building castle in the air with your political ambition?Let me tell you, we can conduct free and fair elections in the country if we implement the recommendations of Justice Uwais led Committe on Electoral Reform. I believe the processes of our electoral reform have started. I also believe that the National Assembly will do the right thing about the electoral reform report before it.
You are not behaving like an average Nigerian because you are sounding very optimistic. Don’t you think you may be disappointed at the end of the day? It is true people are skeptical about future elections in the country, but I will advise the youths not to lose hope about the future of the country. We want youths to come out and participate in building Nigeria because the future belongs to them. Government should also encourage us and stimulate our interest in nation building by carrying out various developmental programmes. Concerning 2011 election, which I’ve signified my interst to participate by contesting for a seat in the Federal House of Representatives, I appeal to our youths to join the group of progressives so that we can salvage our dear country from the present mess.
There is also the need for the government to start preparing for the 2011 general election. Anybody that is 18 years of age and above who had registered to vote should be given the opportunity to register.
Why are you pitching your tent with the AC? Are you sure you can wrestle power from the ruling party that pride itself as the biggest and largest in Africa?Have you ever seen a permenent champion in life? You can only have a current champion. Besides, anybody can call himself any name. What I know is that the political history of this country is going to change for good in 2011 when the progressives will come on board. Everything in life is a challenge and I’m not afraid of challenges. If you are afraid to take back your heritage in your family or a community, then you may be a slave forever.
Many people in politics have personalised the country. Such people are running the afffairs of the nation as if it is their personal property. Meawhile, there are millions of jobless people around, the rate of crime is increasing everyday, innocent, and promising people are being wasted everyday in the country. We should know that whatever you have, God gives you the opportunity to acquire it, so that you can use such wealth, wisdom or knowledge or material to better the lives of those people around you. But many political office holders in Nigeria often fail to realise these facts.
What actually motivated you to join politics and who is your mentor or role model?I joined politics beause of our youths. The question we need to ask our present crops of leaders is that, in the next 20 to 30 years to come, where would they be? With the way they are governing the nation presently, how would Nigeria be in the next 20 to 30 years? What is the hope of our youths in this country in 20 to 30 years to come?
I’m also joining politics to make changes and to prove that what Chief Obafemi Awolowo did during his time can still be repeated. We still have God-fearing people, especially among the youths, who can do better. Some other people and I are joining politics to show our people that we have more of Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) in waiting and such young people are ready to turn Nigeria around for good if given the opportunity to serve the country.
Also, you cannot do it alone, but one can still contribute his own quota to nation building. Therfore, joining politics does not actually mean you are a politician or that politics is meant for only politicians. Anybody can be in politics provided you are ready to serve. In fact, I believe that to be an agent of change is better beause the simple interpretation of a politician in Nigeria means a naked liar.
Concerning your other question, I want to say that I was not advised by anybody to join politics, but I emulate the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who produced a successor that is now outstanding in performance.
Furthermore, within my region, which is South-West, people like Chief Lamidi Adesina, the former governor of Oyo State, late Adekunle Ajasin, late Chief Bola Ige and some other true Awoists and not the chop-I-chop Awoist always inspire me.
How do we describe Rotimi Ajanaku?I see myself as somebody with unique and uncommon human feelings and I dont like to set my eyes on people suffering for no cause because it can give me mental disorder. I try to better the lives of people around me with the little God has given me. Above all, we should always remember that there is nothing you have in life that was not given to you by God. One of the fundamental laws of wealth is that we brought nothing to this sinful world and it is certain that we will not take anything out of it. We were born naked and it is certain that we would go naked no matter how expensive the garment they may use to wrap us when we die. May God gives us good and long life.
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