36-year-old Ondo South Aspirant Says He’s Jimoh Ibrahim’s Political Senior

Ogbeni Kayode Fakuyi, a 36-year-old APC stalwart contesting the Ondo South Senatorial seat in Ondo State, has declared that he brings more political experience to the race than the incumbent, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim. Daily Trust reports that the nomination and confirmation of Ibrahim, a business mogul, for an ambassadorial appointment signalled a potential vacancy in […]

Ogbeni Kayode Fakuyi, a 36-year-old APC stalwart contesting the Ondo South Senatorial seat in Ondo State, has declared that he brings more political experience to the race than the incumbent, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim.

Daily Trust reports that the nomination and confirmation of Ibrahim, a business mogul, for an ambassadorial appointment signalled a potential vacancy in the Ondo South Senatorial seat.

The development has since heightened political activities in the district, with several aspirants already declaring their intentions to succeed Ibrahim at the Red Chamber.

Fakuyi, a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, had formally announced his ambition, describing himself as “most suitable person to represent Ondo South Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate at this time.”

He hails from Ilutitun Ward 2 in Okitipupa Local Government Area and holds a Master’s degree in Legislative Studies from the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Abuja.

Speaking with Daily Trust, the legislative consultant said that despite his age, he brings three decades of political experience to the table.

When asked if he has the capacity to step into Ibrahim’s shoes, he responded “With due respect to him, before he became senator, you wouldn’t say he had more legislative experience than me. I also joined politics before him.

“I joined politics before the 4th republic and I have close to 30 years political experience. We didn’t hear of Jimoh Ibrahim in the political space until 2003. I am like his senior in politics.”

He added that “I have worked for the Nigerian Senate for about a decade. I worked with the Chairman Senate Committee on Science and Technology in the 8th Senate. In the 9th Senate, I was Senior legislative Aide to the Deputy Majority Leader of the Senate.

“I have very rich legislative experience and I am well prepared for the task ahead.”

Fakuyi, however, acknowledged that Senator Ibrahim has “made a lot of impacts” representing Ondo South.

“He is one of the most vocal senators in the Senate. Just recently, he awarded bursary to 1,000 students at 100,000 per student.

“The senator also built a massive private university in Igbotako. The infrastructure there can only be compared to the OAU campus. We really need more people like Jimoh Ibrahim and Chief Micheal Ade-Ojo to invest in Ondo State.

“I congratulate him and wish him well on his new appointment. I actually believe I am the most suitable person to replace him in the Senate.”

Plans for Ondo South

Fakuyi said “I am very big on systems and structures. That is the most sustainable way to achieve goals. I will set up a circuit like model that connects the 66 wards in Ondo South. This model will permit easy upload of information and concerns of my people, prompt feedback and regular updates on my activities.

“I will promote and protect the interests of my people and our communities in Ondo State. I am ready to work day and night to improve their welfare and security.

“For instance, on the issue of sea incursion affecting many coastal communities in Ondo South, my people in Ayetoro, Obe-Nla and other communities have lost their homes and means of livelihood. I really want to help out. I feel their pain. I want to mobilise support for them.

“I will go beyond moving a motion on the floor of the Senate. If we want to build coastal barriers and smart cities in those places, we need the support of the government at the highest level. I know the government cannot provide all the money but I will take the matter directly to President Bola Tinubu and convince him to intervene. We need his advice and leadership. Don’t forget he tackled a similar issue in Lagos.

“I will also facilitate basic amenities and ensure fair distribution to every part of Ondo South. I can assure you I will touch the lives of my people directly. I will invest heavily in human capacity development. I will build vocational training centres. I will encourage everybody to sign up for skill acquisition. We will train them and give them empowerment kits.”

The aspirant said he has the capacity to win the APC ticket in a credible process.

Insecurity in Nigeria

He said “When you look at the recent actions of Mr President, they give me hope. I am upbeat security will improve. I like the idea of a multi layer policing system. It will solve a lot of problems.

“Just recently, I read about policemen arresting personnel of the Amotekun Corps. That is not good for the system. The security structures at the sub national level should be strengthened and supported.

“I believe the Nigeria Police Act and Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution should be amended.

“When I get to the Senate, I will push for the amendment of the Firearms Act, 2004 and the Private Guard Companies Act of 1986. I believe private security guards should be allowed to carry AK-47 rifles. They are well documented and well trained.

“Criminals have AK-47 rifles, anyway. Why shouldn’t we allow private security guards to bear firearms?”