By Adeyinka Adeniran
An aspirant for the Oyo Central Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ademola Wasiu Alli, fondly called AWA has said, the courage, boldness and various reforms been implemented by President Bola Tinubu are some of the key reasons many people are joining the party.
Nothing that the various reforms are coming with degrees of pains and hardship, the retired Federal Director of Finance said beyond politics, those who are in the know agreed that the various reforms are necessities that will bring greater gain for the country soonest.
He denied insinuations that people are not happy with the ruling party, noting that the caliber of people defecting to the party attest to the show of understanding and support for the President in the bid to ensure that the reforms translate to the good of the people.
Alli spoke while fielding questions from a panel of journalists including Chike Ogbogu, Dapo Falade, Yinka Adeniran, and Soji Ajibola during the “hot seat” programme organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council with the themed “Real Questions; Real Answers,”
He identified the subsidy removal, harmonisatiin of forest and the recent police reforms as some of the efforts of President Tinubu at bringing aviation a change that will respect the future of the country for good.
He said, “I do not agree with the insinuations that the populace are not happy with President Tinubu. He has been so bold and courageous in enforcing hard stances.
“If people are not happy with President Tinubu, why are people joining the party on a daily basis? People that are knowledgeable knows that we need these reforms and it will shape our future as a nation.
“For me, there is no other party that I can join in the country outside the APC because of the various policies and reforms of President Tinubu.
“Look at the issue of State Police, everyone knows we need it to reinforce security. Yet, many present and past leaders are not bold to enforce it, but President Tinubu has shown the courage in that direction.”
Speaking on his ambition, Alli said he is not going into politics for gain, after over three decades of illustrious career in civil service. He noted that his involvement in politics is driven by a desire to serve humanity rather than for commercial or personal gain.
He emphasised that his political ambition is rooted in a commitment to effective representation and service delivery, adding that his aspiration to represent Oyo Central at the Senate is anchored on addressing the needs of constituents and contributing meaningfully to national development.
Outlining his understanding of legislative responsibilities, the senatorial hopeful highlighted lawmaking, oversight functions, and representation as the core duties of a legislator.
He pledged to deploy his experience and competence to deliver impactful representation if given the mandate to serve in the National Assembly.
Alli further disclosed that his years of experience in the executive arm of government have equipped him with the requisite knowledge to contribute effectively to policymaking and governance, stressing that such experience would be leveraged on to advance the interests of his constituents.
On political mentorship, he acknowledged President Tinubu and other APC leaders across various levels in the state as his political fathers, assuring that his goodwill is strong enough to attract support from loyalists, partners, friends, and other stakeholders to fund his political campaigns.
Speaking on challenges facing the Oyo Central Senatorial District, Alli said his extensive tour of the district had exposed him to the pressing needs of the people. He assured constituents that he would prioritise practical solutions to the challenges if elected.
The Fiditi-born accountant also outlined key focus areas for his proposed tenure, including training, empowerment, job creation, and attracting federal government projects to the district as part of the dividends of democracy.
On party loyalty, Alli reaffirmed his commitment to the APC, stating that he would remain a dedicated member of the party regardless of the outcome of the party’s ticket allocation process.
He also stressed the importance of women’s inclusion in governance, pledging to support and empower women to enhance their contributions to national development.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of NUJ, Oyo State Council, Comrade Akeem Abas, said the relaunch of the Hot Seat programme was aimed at providing a platform for prospective public office seekers to present their plans and ideas to the public.
Abas reiterated that the NUJ remains apolitical and is committed to upholding ethical and professional standards in journalism, devoid of ethnic or religious bias.
The event attracted supporters of Alli from across the Oyo Central Senatorial District, marking a significant turnout for the maiden edition of the relaunched programme.
