Checks, Balances Enhance Accountability in Governance – Bunmi Ibiloye

Bunmi Ibiloye is a gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the Accord Party in Osun State. In his interview with ADEOLU ADEYEMO, he speaks on his preparation for the forthcoming election in the state and his plans for the state

What are your chances in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election?

Politics is not for animals but for men and where we do not have stiff oppositions, we cannot go for the best. I love competitions. Even, if contenders for the post of this governorship election are many, the better it is for the masses to choose the most competent out of us all. I am confident and my chances are at the brightest. No matter how inclement the political weather is, I will surely come out triumphant. I will deliver and posterity will not be fair on me if I pull out now.

What are your plans of action? What do you have in stock for the masses?

With God on my side, I have that solid intention to improve the lives of our people both in the state and at the grassroots. It is high time we made people understand that democracy is not just sitting down in the office, there should be accountability at all levels and developmental projects must be rapid. Illiteracy has to vanish. Agriculture should be the mainstay of I will frown at untoward acts and by the time I will finish my terms, my people would be left with two options of praying for me or to curse me.

You were a seasoned civil servant in the state before resigning from the Ministry of Local Government and Social Development for politics. Can you enlighten us on the rudiments of local government and the roles the third tiers of government could play in developing the state? 

To the best of my knowledge, local governments are closest to the ordinary man on the streets. Before people feel the presence of state and federal governments, they first feel that of the local governments. First, the dividends of democracy are therefore first felt by the people at the grassroots. As a result of this, there is the need for the local government reforms. We need to interact with our people and know their problems.

If voted in as the next state governor, it will have a plus for the overall performances of the local government. There will be adequate and proper funding of the third tiers of government. The state and federal governments should work hand in hand with them for better transformation. There should be check and balances in governance to give rooms for rapid improvements.

There is a need to get our local government administrators exposed to new ideas. We should improve on the system. For better performances, higher education has to be introduced. People should see the need to go for higher courses. Those carrying Primary Six certificates about for the past 15 to 20 years in service without aspiring to move higher should be encouraged. Education is very important. The more you read, the more you are exposed.

Let me quickly add that; the idea of state governments holding on to the funds meant for local governments for one reason or the order is an administrative anomaly which must be addressed. Funds meant for a particular arm of government should be given to them on time since delays could be crucial and suicidal. When such funds are delayed, it affects so many things. Salaries may not be paid on time and developmental projects could suffer delay.

What is your message to the electorate ahead of the forthcoming governorship election?

Democratically speaking now, I would charge my people to vote as their vision and conscience direct. They can be influenced but they have to be convinced within themselves that they are taking a decision they will never regret in life. A wrong vote for a wrong candidate today is an everlasting sorrow tomorrow for generations yet unborn so there is need to be careful. Sentiments apart now, I want to use this medium to let them know that as I step into the governorship race, a change is made. Your love is in my mind and I feel for you.