Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government Service Commission and Ally of Governor Seyi Makinde, Oke Taiwo has declared his intention to represent the good people of Egbeda Ona Ara Federal Constituency at the National Assembly in the forthcoming general election in 2023.
Oke, made this statement on Sunday while speaking to journalists at his Ibadan residence.
The former Chairman, Ona Ara local government expressed confidence in his readiness to ensure that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State records success in the coming general election banking on his antecedents and goodwill in the constituency.
According to him, he has since time immemorial displayed loyalty to the party by standing by it when others had sought greener pasture elsewhere and while he served the party at different capacities, the progress of the party was given priority.
Speaking on a rumour that he stepped down for other aspirants, Oke stated categorically that it is nothing but a misconception from those peddling such lies around the constituency.
He said “Without any equivocation, I can say that I am the most qualified and committed party member to represent the constituency at this moment and as an appointee, one has to take a step after another not two steps at a go.
“I have been consulted by some aspirants, those I consider to be my junior in the field of politics on whether I still have an interest which I told them that my intention will be made known at the appropriate time.
“Having seen that I am the only aspirant who would give them a tough time, they kept pressuring to know my stand but I advised one of them to study the political terrain before declaring his ambition.
“This to him was misconstrued to be a ‘Go ahead’ statement which makes him and others move on to consult stakeholders in the constituency by telling them, I said they should proceed”.
While addressing the issue of constituency allowance as a major factor hindering development in the constituency, he said “In some years back, constituency allowances are not been given to National Assembly members, representatives are only told to submit projects needed while the federal government executes them on their behalf but what we have now gives the representatives opportunity to steal money. If I have my way, I will vote against it in the National Assembly“.
He further expressed his decision to prioritize employment opportunities which he sees as the best way to empower his constituents.
“Securing enduring employment at all levels is what I have done before even when I was a local government chairman. To me, it is the best way to eradicate poverty in the land and most importantly to avoid any kind of social vices.”
The Oyo Commissioner in his remark on Governor Seyi Makinde’s performance rated him to have performed excellently well and that the people of Oyo State should pay him back by voting him for another four years.
“I will say that the governor has done well in terms of social infrastructure, health, education and security which make him deserve another term. I just hope that anyone who takes over from him after 8years will retain the landmark achievements.
“He is an asset to PDP in Oyo State, South West and Nigeria as a whole.”
