Mr Babalola Babatunde Abiodun popularly called Abbey Eleja is one of the chairmanship aspirants in IKole local government area of Ekiti state under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress. In this interview with Jare Tiamiyu, the seasoned politician and grassroot mobilizer, who has remained in the progressive fold since 1999 even during the turbulence, explained why he remains the best choice not only for his party but for all the electorates in the agrarian communities that make up the council. He reeled out his agenda for Ikole and called on APC leaders and loyalists to give him the party ticket.
Can we meet you?
I’m Mr. Babalola Babatunde Abiodun a.k.a Abey ELEJA from AYEBODE in ikole local government, Ekiti state.
Your academic and political backgrounds sir?
Well to God be the glory, I’m an HND HOLDER and I started my political career in 1999 when I joined the AD under the leadership of Otunba Niyi Adebayo and I remain with the progressives since then. I served in various levels and capacities in my institution days as S.U.G WELFARE DIRECTOR AND LATER S.U.G SECRETARY OSUN STATE POLYTECHNIC. My records there remain of service remain unbeatable till today. In politics, I have been part of many committees at one time or the other, where I have delivered my best for the emancipation of our party and people.
What brought you into politics and what has been your driving force?
I joined politics to help my people out of bad leadership, deceit and to also serve them and let them know that there is hope in democracy. I once the national coordinator for Nigeria Youth Forum, Nigeria Youth in Politics and many other socio-political groups, I have always wished to help and represent my people.
You are vying for the chairmanship position Ikole local government, tell us what your manifestos contain?
My agenda are clear, firstly to compliment the efforts of our governor and leader, H.E Dr. John Kayode Fayemi . in my agenda for the people of Ikole are youth empowerment, stipends for the old age, loans for our market women, rural development, leaders welfare and many other developmental and palliatives packages the have been diligently crafted for the benefit of our people.
Ikole is known to be the yam farming headquarters in the south west and probably in the country, how will you ensure the farmers are encouraged and their market is boosted?
If God help me, I already have farmers’ welfare in my agenda and most importantly, loans and grant will be available, fertilizers and good road network to facilitate bringing of farm produce to the market.
The federal government recently granted autonomy to all local governments, how do you think it will affect your administration positively?
Its has been everyones prayer that came to pass, the autonomy will give more power to the local government and its returns power to the grassroot.
You talked about youth empowerment, can you elaborate on this?
Yes, I later realized most of our youth are unemployed and with this, some politicians see it as an opportunity to use them as thugs and later give them peanut for job well done, my plans to youth empowerment will be categorizes to different sessions, some will go into farming, business and through creation of jobs and given of grants and loans.
Let’s talk politics, with your campaign so far, do you think the people of Ikole reciprocating the love they had for APC during last election for you?
Politics in Ikole is different from other areas, APC in Ikole are one, once party candidate emerges, we join forces together and work as one. As at today, no one has been picked, we follow laws and party constitution, I have better chance been the youngest aspirant with exposure, experience, grassroot mobilization and contacts.
With other heavyweight in the contest with you, how do you see yourself winning the party thicket? And what chance will your candidacy present to the party?
Thanks. I don’t see anyone as heavyweight, only God crown a king. Politics is game, I believe in the people, party, our leaders and God only. Our people know who can serve them better, they know who has been with them. Once I emerge as the party candidate, the main election becomes a done deal for our party. This is because the people of Ikole want something fresh, new and dynamic, which I represent in the contest. IT WILL REPRESENT THE CALL FOR NOT TOO YOUNG TO RUN, IT WILL BE AN EASY RIDE FOR THE PARTY AS WELL.
How would you boost the Internally Generated Revenue of the LG and the state at large? Considering the meager amount from the center?
Once there is employment, there will be tax. We have many factories which are moribund now, building of local government shops for rent to market women, reaching out to all tax payers on the needs to pay their tax regularly in other to enjoy the real dividends of democracy. I have many ways to do that but I will like to let them remain within me for now.
Sir, any other package for the people of Ikole?
Yes…a lot of goodies like provision of basic amenities like road, pipe borne water and monthly empowerment to enable the DIVIDENDS of democracy get the people at all time.
Finally sir, what is your campaign slogan?
My slogan has always be “HOPE FOR THE MASSES”
Message for the APC leaders and party faithfuls?
Yes, my little message to our leaders and all party members including all the aspirants, let us unite and see politics as a friendly match not do or die affairs and allow the people to choose man of their choice..
God bless JKF
God bless the LEADERS
God bless APC…
