OSUN 2014: Aregbesola Deserves A Second Term — Onuoha
Prince (Dr) Charles Onuoha is a chieftain of All Progressives Congress in Imo State. He was also a two-time Commissioner under the leadership of Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo State. He also served the governor as the SA to MDS and is currently the Chairman, Imo State Housing Corporation.
In this chat with newsmen in Lagos, this banker-turned politician lauds the achievements of the Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola saying he has given Osun State a new face in terms of governance and development; the reason for which he should be re-elected to finish up the good work he started in Osun State.
Why I left banking for politics
When I was in the banking industry, I was a General Manager. I rose to the peak of office in the industry. Many people have asked me why I left banking for a dirty game like politics? My answer has been that I got a call from God to go and serve the public as a leader.
So when I was leaving the banking sector, I did not have any regrets and truly till tomorrow, I did not have any regrets leaving banking for politics which people always described as dirty. I always disagreed with those who used to say that Nigerian politics is dirty. We are learning. It is a gradual process. We joined to sanitise it.
On Govs Okorocha and Aregbesola
Okorocha has a policy in Imo State which I truly understand and can analyse. Governor Aregbesola deserves a second term. You don’t change a winning team. I am not saying this because I am a member of APC. I’d known him since he was the works Commissioner in Lagos State under the then Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as governor. He has been an achiever.
I am very sure nobody has surpassed his achievements in that State as Works Commissioner. Even when he was elected governor of Osun State, I knew he will perform. What he has done so far in Osun State has proved me right. Governor Aregbeshola has done wonderfully well as the governor of that state. I used to go to Osun some years back when PDP government was incharge. What Osun is today under Aregbesola is not what it used to be then.
Non-indigenes in Osun under Aregbesola
The report from Igbo indigenes in Osun State is very encouraging. They are very happy living in Osun State and the governor has been so friendly with the non indigenes in that state. There has been no marginalization according to them. So, from the bottom of my heart, even though I am not a Yoruba man, the truth must be said. He has so developed Osun State. He has created value in that State economically and otherwise.
People can easily visit Osun State now than before because he has put in place things and activities that can attract other people from other states to Osun State. He has also improved the traditional institution of Osun people. The traditional rulers in Osun State are happy with him according to their report on him which I used to read. He has carried the market women in the state along, making sure trade and commerce boom in the state.
APC in the State
APC has come to stay. In case you don’t know, APC is the peoples party not only in Osun State but in Nigeria generally. By the special grace of God, APC with Aregbeshola will definitely win when Osun people go to the polls. The party is very much on ground in Osun and in every state in Nigeria. Our victory in Osun is not negotiable.
Your advice to Osun indigenes
Actually, I am not a Yoruba manlet alone an Osun State man but the achievements of Gov. Aregbesola has really moved me to say what I am saying. If one does well, good people around him must commend him. So, I am commending Aregbesola for the good work he is doing in his state, the reason he deserves to come back. I want to tell Osun people that they have gold in Aregbesola.
Can a right thinking man throw away gold and take silver? No. so let Osun people hold tight to the gold they are having. And I am using this forum to tell the non indigenes in Osun State especially the Igbos to massively support Aregbesola’s re-election bid.
VANGUARD