I neither belong to Sheriff nor Makarfi PDP faction – Gbolarumi

Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi is a former deputy governor of Oyo State. He is a lawyer and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the state. In this interview with the BOLAJI OMOSANYA in Ibadan, he spoke about his relationship with the late strongman of Oyo State politics, Alhaji Lamidi Ariyibi Adedibu, the current crisis within the PDP at the national level, the Governor Abiola Ajimobi- led APC administration in the state and people’s comments on President Muhammadu Buhari’s health amongst other issues.

*****The late strongman of Oyo State politics, Alhaji Lamidi Ariyibi Adedibu was like your political father. How has it been after his transition?

To me, politically, the contribution and achievements of Adedibu in Oyo State politics and Nigeria in general were immense to even start to mention one by one. He taught me well and made me what I am today. Nobody can deny that he was politically enlightened and very sophisticated to the point that no discussion in the political arena can ignore his contributions.

****Is politics in the state the same since his departure from the scene?

Of course, it can’t be the same. One must expect that changes would occur. That is given. He played his part creditably well while he was with us. His open door policy is well known everywhere. His Molete, Ibadan residence was a sort of Mecca. Adedibu didn’t close his doors twenty-four hours. You can just walk in anytime of the day. He did not like to see anybody suffer whether the ordinary citizens or the people referred to as high society.

******Are you happy about the current crisis within the PDP both at the state and the federal levels. What is the way out?

Let me tell you something, there is no crisis within the Oyo State PDP. We are in the grip of things. The relationship between members has been a good one and we continue to maintain that and by God’s grace we will continue to maintain it. And the other thing that I want you to know is that for me, I am neutral as concerns the two factions. I mean the Ali Modu Sheriff and the Makarfi factions. I am not involved in favour of one part or the other. I know that in Oyo State, we are in the grip of things. We are on course. You will see when we come on in the next elections, we have done our preparations. The positive ends will become obvious to you in the next dispensation. We are very serious people.

*****Has the APC in the state failed the people or do you think that if the PDP is still in place it would have been better? In other words, how would you score the present APC government of Senator Abiola Ajimobi?

I would not want to score the present government in the state. It may not be fair to do so now. In government, people come, people go but the state and the people remain. PDP had its own chance. This is the time of the APC. Our focus should rather be on adding value to the lives of the masses once you have your chance. You try to carve a niche and make a difference in the lives of the people.

******There was a book written about you several years ago, “Gbolarunmi: An Enigma” and after leaving office as deputy governor of the state, you went to study law. You are now a qualified lawyer. Are all these about your political ambition?

Every human being is a political animal, if you agree with me. And there is nothing wrong in pursuing one’s political goal, but aside that, I have a strong view that every human being must strive to look for ways to improve himself at all times. This is what I am doing. I have my LLB, gone to the law school, for my BL and the one for my LLM in London is on course. I believe that at the end, I would be very ready to serve the people in a much better way in the next dispensations.

******Don’t you think that President Muhammadu Buhari’s state of health is being shrouded in too much mystery?
I just don’t understand why people always want to make mountain out of a molehill. To be sick is human. Anybody can be sick at anytime. A baby can be sick and likewise an old man can become sick. It is in the natural order of things. All those who are raising issues with Buhari’s health are mainly politicising the whole matter. How about discussing important matters that can move our nation forward.

******On the alarm raised by Gen. Buratai’s that some politicians are trying to convince some army officers to stage a coup. What is your take?

This is part of what we are saying. Buratai, so far, has not come out to mention names of those involved. He was just issuing a warning to his men not to be allowed to be used by politicians to destabilise the country. Infact, I don’t want to get involved. If it is true, I believe Buratai would have named names.

******Your advice to Nigerians generally?

I want to appeal to Nigerians during this Ramadan period, to shun all what can cause disruption of peace in the country. And to pray for peace and progress of the nation. I see a Nigeria where there will be food for all, prosperity and end to recession.