Member of the House of Representatives, representing Akure North and South Federal Constituency and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ondo state chapter, Hon. Afe Olowookere, says there is much ado about the ongoing restructuring glamour. TEMITOPE ADEDEJI reports.
As a federal law maker and a representative of the people at the lower chamber, do you subscribe to restructuring?
Yes, l do. I do because there are lot of things that are not just normal. The equation is not balance. The equation favours some sections and that was not how we started. The arrangement has been tampered with. Mind you, we have three autonomous regions, the north, east and south, but today, it has changed so much so that a particular region has it all. It is all in favour of a particular section which they are even proud of it.
Look at the appointments; it is in favour of a particular section of the country. It is tilted towards nepotism and it is not normal. Therefore, restructuring must be carried out by reducing the power at the centre and giving same to the states. We cannot continue to fold our arms and put people in a cage until there is devolution of power. There can’t be absolute peace in the country with kind of situation.
The agitation is becoming more pronounced almost on daily basis. Our common wealth should be equitably distributed and shared. The moment it is being manipulated, then, the cheated will want to fight, we want to talk, which can cause chaos, and it definitely hinders the peace and tranquillity of the land. We are all calling for equity and justice, l support restructuring on a round table conference. The centre is too lopsided; it is having too much power.
The security of the country is seriously threatened by the activities of Fulani herdsmen and a Yoruba socio cultural group has condemned the acts, what is your reaction?
Well, l don’t think it should be only Afenifere that should condemn the activities of the herdsmen, every right thinking Nigerian also has been doing that without missing words. The attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen on innocent Nigerians, mostly farmers, is unfortunate. It seems we are just living together in the country.
I have made several contributions to the debate on the matter on the floor of the House, especially when more than 72 persons were killed in one day in Benue State. It was sad, and sadder still that the president never considered it worthy to promptly sympathise with the families of the affected victims. l think one should condemn the action of Mr. President on this.
It shows the president is not sympathetic enough. It is just as if some persons are pursuing an agenda, which l pray such agenda if it is true will never work. The herdsmen should know that they do not have monopoly of power.
The federal government promised to withdraw soldiers from monitoring election subsequent elections, do you think the absence of soldiers represent a threat to life during the 2019 elections?
I believe that in our previous elections, soldiers are not part of the elections but were detailed to only volatile areas. The police and other security agencies are saddled with that responsibility.
Soldiers are often at a point not too far from the polling units to forestall any breakdown of law and order. In fact, l can say that they only give helping hands to other security agencies. I think in a normal election, they should be kept under, we still believe in the ability of the police.
Recently though, even thuggery has been reduced through the introduction of card-reading machine. Thugs are not a winning tool in any election any more. So, no need to bring them to election as pronounced by federal government.
In what way is the senate assisting to expedite action to free the abducted Dapchi school girls, Yobe?
Well, there is little or nothing the House or Senate can do about it. We do not control the security apparatus. All that we can do is to encourage the president and the executive to endeavour to fish out the culprits.
We are to represent the people but at the same time, since we appropriate allowances for security agencies, we will invite them and debrief them on efforts so far made to free the abducted girls. Also, as parents, we are not happy at all at the happenings. It is quite unfortunate. I continue to imagine what the parents will be passing through.
You have been applauded for discharging your legislative responsibilities to your people at the grass roots, what is the secret?
The secret is the fear of God. My faith in God. ‘Am a Christian, not just a nominal one but a pastor with Gospel Faith Mission, the word of God teaches me that whatever that is committed to your hand, you must give account of it. As a member if House of Representatives, before my creator, l will give account. That fear enables me to deliver to my people. I fear God. I have brought everything back to the people. That is why you see people commending me here and there. I am enjoying the good will of my people everywhere l go.
