Restructing: This is time to cede power to youths -Adewale

Hon. Babafemi Adewale is the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship Candidate for Ikeja Local Government Area Lagos State in the July 22 council election in the state. In this interview with INIOBONG IWOK, he speaks on the urgent need for a paradigm shift in leadership to youths in Nigeria, money politics among others issues.

******There have been increase in the clamour for restructuring of Nigeria; do you agree the Nigeria need to be restructured?

Nigeria’s problem is just regional or tribal problems. We fought a brutal civil war, where alot of people, gallant men were killed, industries and basic infrastructure were destroyed; What I believe is that Nigeria need laws, where there is no law, there is no crime. We need to amend our laws on quota system so that all sections of the country would have opportunity in the governance of the country. The civil war did not do any body any good. What I believe is that we need to review our laws so that the youths would have a chance in governance.
I think in this administration, easterners are holding key positions, dividing the country would make things worse. If the states can’t pay salaries; let us diversify our revenue sources that is what restructuring would do. We need to restructure the country and let young people come into governance. If young people rule; you would see changes, that is because they are innovative, full of ideas and they would not fail us.
The elders have failed us the youths should step up. We are operating a Federal system, dividing the country would make things worse. It is obvious that the current leaders don’t have a clue to the country’s numerous problems and they are not telling us the truth.
Look at other parts of the world; how old was Obama when he became The United State President? Look at the newly elected French President.

*******Do you believe the anti graft war is making progress?
The President has done well so far in the anti graft war, but he cannot prosecute people by himself, the problem is with the judiciary; cases drag for a long time unnecessarily, the trial process is slow. Look at the recent Saraki case; he was acquitted, in other advanced societies he should have stepped down while he was been tried. But he was still there making laws for us, I am not saying he is corrupt, but he should have resigned to give room for fair hearing. The problem is with our leaders, they should give a level playing Field, the day we elect young people into leadership positions starting from the local government to the Presidency then we can begin to think of good governance.

******Experts are of the view that anti graft agencies are not doing enough on investigation before charging suspects, do you agree?
The court process is complicated, an accused can be taken to court but just because there is not enough evidence the person would be acquitted. If you look at recent people trailed by the EFCC, are they not corrupt? When the evidence are obvious, how did they acquire such wealth? I strongly believe the youths should be given a chance to lead the country, the elders have failed us, they seem confused and they have been telling us the same things over the years

******Why are you aspiring for the chairmanship position of Ikeja?
The Ikeja constituency should come out enmass and vote for me. I had done a survey of the local govement and I know the needs of the people. I notice that Ikeja lack basic amenities like pipe borne water, recreational facilities, schools, just to mention a few. If I am elected I would put in place this basic needs, empower the youths, the elderly, build market, I would run an open government. I have seen alot of things not done right, so I urge the people of Ikeja constituency to come out and vote for me, I have travel wide and have the experience.

*******What difference can youths bring into leadership?
That is because the youths are innovative and they have fresh ideas. We know what our problems are; they have suffered compared to to the days when our elders where youths. The youths are not carried along in the scheme of things. Go to Ikeja we have only one secondary scholl there, there is no library or youths centre, I think it is time we give the youths a chance.

******What would be your priority area?
My priority would be empowering the youths, education, the elderly and less privileged. Because most of us would get old too, we need to pay more attention to the elderly and venerable people in our society.

******Why should the electorate believe you?
I know politicians make promises during campaign periods, but why they should believe me is because what I am telling them is what am going to do. It is in my manifesto, I have not seen any aspirants’ manifesto in Ikeja. I know the need of my people and I want to serve and fix Ikeja. In Ikeja now there is no pipe borne water; every household have its water source, this is what I want to change

******What is your assessment of the Buhari administration?
The President has done well; so far if you look back on how he met the country, he is trying to reposition it. Look at the economy now, it is shaping up, the naira is stabilising. The anti corruption fight is on; I think Nigerians should realise that he has been transparent in telling us our true financial state. It is unfortunate that Buhari is not in sound health, he is doing well.

******Money politics has been an issue in Nigeria what has been your experience?
It is bad, but is not going to help us. alot of people who are sincere are not going into politics because they don’t have money to give out. I think Nigerians should be wise now, don’t sell your vote, you can take their money and not vote for them.
I want to believe our democracy is still young, with time people would be conscious, but we need public education on this. When they give you that little money; it is like you have sold that four years to them and if they don’t perform don’t blame them.
People should realise that anybody in public office is to serve them and not to be their boss, that mentality has to change. Nigerians should not allow themselves to be used.