The National Leader, Yoruba Youth Alliance (YYA), Mr. Jackson Ojo, in this interview with newsmen says corruption is at the root of many social vices in the land.
Excerpts:
Since the kidnap and eventual release of former secretary to the government of the federation, Chief Olu Falae, activities of Fulani herdsmen in South-West region have come under scrutiny. How do you think this kind of occurrence can be prevented?
It is necessary to preach and imbibe the spirit of one Nigeria and all ethnic groups should learn how not to underrate others. I think NOA has a lot to do in this direction. Also, we should learn how to accommodate one another in Nigeria after all, these herdsmen had been around since 60s but why is it now that we are experiencing these happenings? If we are united and respect one another irrespective of tribe, tongue and religion, there would be peace in Nigeria.
Do you think the military can defeat Boko Haram by December as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari?
Yes, the military, going by the way they are working now, the ranks of Boko Haram can be depleted by December in line with the directive given by the President. War against terror is different from civil war or war by freedom fighters, called militants. Civil war fighters are known, their grievances are well understood, the region or ethnic group they belong to are known and it makes it easy for negotiations, so also the militants like we had in the South-South region. I believe the December deadline target as given by the President is motivational.
To forestall attacks on the region, would you say residents of the Southern part of the country are vigilant enough to prevent Boko Haram invasion?
Here in the south, intelligence is still very weak and porous. People are still depending on government forces alone. Nobody cares to know who his or her neighbour is, where he is from and what he does for a living. People still enter our various towns unchecked, beggars are still moving freely unchecked and unchallenged on our streets. The highway hawkers are increasing on a daily basis without proper check by security agencies. Going by this development, we are not prepared to prevent attacks on the region.
The race for 2018 and 2019 polls in Osun State appears to have commenced undercover. Is it true you are plotting to vie for National Assembly seat of Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency?
I am a very busy person doing business, reading to acquire more knowledge, trying to enlarge my business coast and become a very versatile entrepreneur. I have never dreamt of contesting for any office or political position. During the last election, my people called me to contest for the House of Representatives and my refusal then kept some people away from me till date. I founded Obokun/Oriade solidarity forum and I can boast that this group worked for Mr. Wole Oke, the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency in the House of Reps. Oke won the election and my group is still continuing their radio programme and as a result of this, some lazy politicians started peddling rumours that I have intention to contest election in the future.
Are you planning to contest against Oke as being speculated?
Contesting against Wole Oke is not the issue come 2019. We have two local governments in Ijesa North (Obokun and Oriade). Oke is doing third term now from Obokun axis and automatically, Oriade should be freely given the chance to represent the constituency come 2019 without any argument. Oriade has array of good people that can make us proud and they should be given the chance on a platter of gold in 2019 to represent us and that remains my stand.
How do you think the police can avoid recruiting criminals into their ranks during the recruitment of 10,000 men the force is planning?
Police institutions are saddled with internal security of our country and semi literates, school dropouts are never the best candidates for police job. In a situation where policemen cannot read vehicle particulars, this kind of men will be detrimental to our policing system. Those recruited must be trained to be civil and friendly but stark illiterates will always lack in manners and decorum required to relate with the public. A situation where they recruit criminals and give them guns will pose threats to our country. Such misfits would engage in renting out guns to colleagues in crime. I recommend a very sound ordinary national diploma (OND) as the minimum qualification for police recruitment. There is no way you can train an un-teachable person if recruited.
Do you agree with the view that corruption is fuelling insecurity in the country?
High level corruption brought about poverty, poverty gave birth to self help and self help gave birth to criminal activities prevalent in socio-economic and socio-political system of Nigeria today. A situation where individuals provide electricity, water, build hospitals and fund education for their families whereas a single ‘kleptocrat’ is having billions of dollars of public funds is appalling.
Is President Muhammadu Buhari selective in his anti-corruption war?
What I see now is just an overzealous EFCC and ICPC that want to satisfy Mr. President by fighting his political enemies in order to save their jobs. President Muhammadu Buhari is not fighting anybody now and I believe he must design a policy framework that the whole country will see. So far, so good, 90 per cent of the arrested and interrogated politicians now are members of one party. But I believe Mr. President will not limit the search for treasury looters to one party.