Q: In the last few weeks, you and your organization have suddenly been in the news. Is this part of your strategy to be a relevant force in the approaching governorship election in the state?
A: To an extent, you are correct that we have been in the news of late. However, you are wrong to conclude that our increased tempo of advocacy and media visibility is primarily to achieve political or election-related goals. Osun Movement for peace is a non-political and non-governmental public advocacy-cum-civil society group. We are a part of the Civil Societies Coalition in the State. Our concern and purpose of existence since 2007 has always been to defend the peace, unity and best interest of our state. You will agree with me that in the last few months, attempts have been made by some irresponsible political elites to push the state to the precipice of crisis by misrepresenting the intentions of the state education policy through their media allies. Our movement decided to step into the scene to douse the mounting tension which was gradually building up dangerously to assume the status of a peace -threatening issue; even though it was just a politically orchestrated storm in a teacup. We organized a media event that drew top Education page editors and senior correspondents from all major national publications to Osogbo and they went round the schools to see for themselves after having listened to the implementers of the policy. So, our intervention, which the media reported extensively, was to help put the issues relating to the state education policy in proper perspective; devoid of selfish, political colourations being propagated by people who do not wish the state well.
Q: And the motivation is not political?
A: Our objective has always been clear. We do not want politicians to play politics with the future of Osun. Let those who want to contest elections go about it responsibly and not instigate our people against one another in an irresponsible manner. Let issues that will determine elections in Osun State now and in future be as objective and development-focused as possible; not religion, ethnicity, thuggery or any other form of societal manipulation. All well meaning indigenes of Osun and professional groups in the state must rise up and speak out against all attempts, big or small, to derail the current developmental momentum in the state. If you knew Osun as it was five, ten years ago, and you see what is going on now in the state in terms of visible positive transformation, you will want to pray that the state should never be returned to era of the past. The least we all can do is to say no to vandalism and any form of manipulation that could turn the hand of the clock backwards development-wise.
Q: So, is this about working for the incumbent administration to get a second term?
A: Osun Movement for Peace is not working for any political party or contestant. We are a watchdog for the well-being of Osun State. Please, go and conduct your check: we have never received any form of patronage from anybody within or outside the state and we do not intend doing so. But, do you know that in the bible, a blind man who was healed by Jesus was being manipulated to give evidence that could be used to nail Jesus and he replied ‘ I do not know who he is or what he claims to be; all I know is that I was blind, but now I could see’. If Osun people see what has been happening in the state in the past four years and they say it is good and they feel they want the man there now, who is responsible for this transformation, to continue, what is bad in that? All we are saying is that let whoever will lead in Osun assume the mandate of the people freely, fairly, peacefully and responsibly because we are decent, peace-loving people.
Q: In the build-up to the governorship election scheduled for August, what role do you see your movement playing?
A: We will be playing the town-crier role. We will be vehemently and ceaselessly drawing the attention of the whole world to any minute incident that could affect the peace of the state. We will also work with other like-minded interest groups within the state to put together different programmes that could serve as a strong platform for advancing the wish of the people of Osun for free, fair and peaceful election. Now is the time for us to let the world know that our state is replete with pragmatic, intellectual and peace-loving people who are passionate about forging an alliance to promote the best interest and development of the ordinary people.
Q: How prepared is your organization in terms of mobilizing Osun citizens towards achieving peaceful, rancour-free elections?
A: The truth is that majority of the people of Osun, I mean the masses, are wiser now because they have seen the transformation of their state especially in the last few years. So, they are already keyed into the direction the state is going now and will definitely not precipitate crisis, rancour or any such unwholesome acts that may destroy the peace of the state. But same cannot be said for the political elites who, bent on winning power at all cost, may not mind going overboard to achieve their selfish agenda. For this reason, our Movement is already discussing with many other people-oriented groups such as NGOs, Civil Society groups and the likes on how to increase the tempo of public enlightenment among the grassroots population as the election period draws near. All Osun indigenes must maintain a high level of political watchfulness, alertness and commitment to the course of free and fair election with the concept of one man, one vote as the bedrock. Our people must be taught to understand that eternal vigilance is the price of Liberty. So, they will be in the mood to vote, defend their votes, make the votes count and resist any form of impunity from any political quarter.
Q: What is your assessment of the level of preparedness of INEC and the Security agencies in the state for the election?
A: The whole world is waiting to see how INEC will perform in the Osun election. And both INEC and the Security agencies cannot afford to not perform excellently. This election has a great effect on Nigeria’s 2015 aspiration as well as the peace of Yorubaland. So, we cannot afford to fail. All hands must work together to give Osun people opportunity to express their electoral desire in a peaceful, free and fair manner; anything contrary to that will be very unfortunate.
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