‘No barrier as a first timer’

While some of his colleagues who are first time lawmakers are still counting the four walls of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon Matthew Olaitan Babaoye, Chairman House Committee on Works and Transport and a member representing Irepodun Constituency is already having a telling effect. The mover of the motion that got Dangote Company reprimanded for "constituting nuisance" on Ilorin highways in this interview with Head Politics, MUMINI ABDULKAREEM, spoke on his political career and other sundry issues. Excerpts:

How can you describe your foray into politics?

I was initially in the business world in Lagos after my educational studies and did my NCE here at the Kwara College of Education, Ilorin and finished in 1992-93 academic session where I was the SUG president then and the joint President of the SUG in Kwara State. I returned to school for my bachelors degree in Education Management at the University of Ado-Ekiti, where I also emerged as the SUG president in 2003. Since then I have been shuttling between Lagos and Ilorin but the flare for politics has been there. I was actively involved in the governorship election of the present Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki in 2003. I was among those that didn't go to the camp of Alhaji Lai Muhammed then, who wis from my community and also contested.

Why that decision?

I saw Saraki as a young and vibrant man. That alone gave me the passion that as a youth, I should contribute to that process and that was when I began active politics. I started filling in for various available seats since 2006 preliminaries to 2007 elections and contested for the post of the council chairman then. In 2011, I also contested the same position. I have been very active in the politics of Irepodun since and have worked in many capacities in that regards until this present position. About 13 of us jostled for screening before I was selected.

Since then, how can you described your experience?

It's been a very tight schedule. I initially came in for aspiration for the post of an executive as a council chairman but now found myself in the legislative arms of government. It means one has to study and marry the two activities. As God would have it, I have not been passive because so early enough I have had a motion to my credit about the nuisance being constituted by Dangote trucks on the roads, which was very effective in the state. I am also preparing to co-present another motion and a bill.

How do you intend to domesticate your experiences in the various fields you have operated to serve your constituency better?

I have a road map and target for this assignment, which is not limited to the Kwara State House of Assembly. For that to be achieved, we have to map out developmental strategies that are education and empowerment to my constituency and the state at large. My previous experience will come handy in the passage of good bills and using the office to facilitate people-oriented projects, rehabilitation and even construction of roads; empowering youth in terms of education and skills, which is what is very much lacking in Nigeria as we tend to emphasise on certificates. Also, this is the opportunity to tell Kwarans that the International Aviation School here is a very good advantage for Kwara youths and we must utilise it. Parents should sponsor their children for the various certificate courses available. At the end of 18 months, a student that graduated in Flight Operation course, for instance, after spending half a million will have a N150,000 job guaranteed, and that is why I disagree with those that argue that it is expensive. There are other skills jobs there relating to mechanical, technical, engineering and electrical aspects, which are cheaper to run where they will develop their skills, brain and earning living in the process. Going to school does not mean one can acquire skill and a proper blend of those two will give youth wider choices and opportunity in the future. So I will encourage bills that will make the youth go on skill acquisition and educational attainment.

There is the report that the 8th Assembly might need some time to pick up because majority of you are new, how do you react to this?

I have not been a legislature before at the local government or any quarter but to a larger percentage, I think I am conversant with the legislative duties now. If that happens to me, I believe the calibres of those selected to come now are not mediocre but geniuses in their own rights. It will depend on the challenges and enthusiasm they put into it. I don't see our being new as a barrier. And we have six returnees also, which I believe if there is the need to brainstorm , we will not contribute effectively and we have not been found wanting. It all depends on the aspirations, targets and goals set in coming in here. Returning four or five times doesn't mean one cannot be passive and coming in for the first time does not mean one can't be active.

Some say being here is like an investment where you have to take and send returns to your sponsors?

I don't know how some emerged, but most of us that emerged now must have passed through thick and thin before coming here. There is no political candidate that can float without having people behind, its obvious that we have leaders in our constituencies but it doesn't mean they are the ones that will direct the activities of legislature and responsibilities vis-a-vis the financial aspect. There is nobody that run after me for money in my constituency. Whatever I do in terms of financial assistance is just to show appreciation and I believe that no matter how small, whatever we make here we should be able to give back to our constituency and anybody we feel is in need.

Your comment on the APC crisis in relation to some notable leaders in the party at home and nationally?

First, I see the Senate President as a leader and symbol of authority, not only in Kwara but in Nigeria as a whole. I see Alhaji Lai Muhammed as also a leader and more of the pillar that held ACN to have metamorphosis to form APC. It's his duty as the National Publicity Secretary of the party to sell the principles and virtues of APC to the length and breadth of the country. I don't see Alhaji Lai Muhammed opposing the aspiration of Saraki. The statement I would say he read from the party was only a script prepared for him by the party because of his seat. He only performed his job. Till date, he has never commented on the aspiration of Saraki, meaning he is with him in principle but because of where he finds himself, he might not be able to come out loud. It's just an insinuation that he is against Saraki.

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