Better time awaits Nigeria under Tinubu’s leadership –Omo-Aje, AA National Chairman

 

Honourable Adekunle Rufai Omo-Aje. An Osun State born grassroots politician is the National Chairman of the Action Alliance (AA), one of the registered political parties in Nigeria.

In this interview with the Nigerian Xpress, he spoke on many issues of national and international interests such as the petroleum subsidy removal, planned palliatives, presidency of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as well as the Niger Republic imbroglio among others.

Razaq Bamidele presents the excerpts from the interview:

 

Can we have an insight into the operations and activities of your political party, the Action Alliance (AA)?

Thank you very much. Action Alliance (AA) as one of the registered and recognised National Political Parties in Nigeria today, is one political party that believes in the oneness of this entity called Nigeria. It isa party that appears to be a threat to so many interests and has suffered too many treacheries from within and without, yet it remains strong and relevant, you will agree with me that it has a destiny to fulfil in its lifetime.

Looking at development in our polity from the enthronement of our current president Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who our party believes could mend damaged bridges, we are yet optimistic that our national beliefs will be fulfilled with Asiwaju on the crest of leadership.

 

To start with, what is the position of AA on the crisis in Niger Republic vis a vis the ECOWAS planed invation of the country to restore democracy through military attack?

In our party, we believe military incursion into democratic setting like it happened in Niger Republic is an aberration. However, we have some doubts about the needfulness of military approach. Though, there is no doubt about the aberration status of military incursion into governance, as it is globally believed and agreed that the most benevolent military rule is always worse than the most autocratic democracy, yet it is not the way to go. Having the military take over government from a democratically elected civilian government should never be allowed to sustain.

I believe that forceful military approach to push the coupists out of government house in Niger Republic will most likely never go without pain, hurt and bloodshed. I, all the same believe that the takeover should not be allowed to succeed. Though the cost of the contemplated force action will be enormous and straining on member states, and most especially our country Nigeria – the big brother, yet drastic action is needed to resolve drastic issues. However, ECOWAS should be mindful of the sovereignty of Niger Republic as an independent nation.

Okay, how would you assess President Tinubu so far in office since May 29, 2023?

Assessing the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu so far, I believe like most Nigerians and friends of our nation around the globe, that he started well and has carried on same way till this moment. The president has taken some measures that appear drastic but needful if we truly need to change the narrative, yet, I believe that he knows the knowhow of getting out of the national quagmire we find ourselves is right now as a nation.

I think we, the citizens need to give him more time to perfect his vision for Nigeria’s economic and political recovery.

What is your take on the removal of subsidy on petroleum products in Nigeria and the planned palliatives for the citizenry?

On subsidy removal, I believe there is no alternative measure as things stand right now. Sustaining that policy of fraud is like serving a killer coffee to our nation Nigeria economically. The senselessness of the petroleum subsidy has outlived its desirability. Sustaining it is most undesirable at this time of unusual austerity.Talking about subsidies in this clime is like talking about the elusiveness of having a virgin on admission in a maternity home.

However, whatever palliative form or regime now being contemplated should not involve any form of cash transfer. Experience has enlightened us that any form of cash transfer has never succeeded in this nation of ours. Whatever palliative contemplation now, must involve soothing the pains of subsidy removal on an average Nigerian. This should be on things that touch on the lives of every Nigerian. Palliatives before now have not really gotten to desired quarters, hence, this government must think creatively on how to administer this new program in a way that will impact on the lives of every Nigerian.

 

Coming back to your party again, what is the situation now in the party after you have regained your chairmanship seat from someone you described as usurper?

It was a torturous voyage to get to this victorious realm of regaining control of our party. You know, it is always easier to combat enemies without in any battle than subduing friendly covert enemies within. However, I give thanks and glory to the almighty God for the victory at last.

Now that we have regained control of our party, we are proceeding without usual activities as we have always been. Though we have setbacks while the struggles lasted, yet, we never let down our guides at any point at all. We have always carried on with administration of our activities as when there was no contention. So, now that we are legally fully restored, we would only need to work more to conceptualise our vision for sustainability as a national political platform.

What are your expectations under Tinubus’ tenure?

I believe that the tenure of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu holds progress and proactive development for the nation. Looking at his person as a democrat with reference-able antecedents, I am of the opinion and belief that better time awaits our nation under his leadership. When you consider the out-of-the-box policies that have been formulated within the short period of time he ascended the presidential throne, most of which have been applauded even internationally, you will agree with me that Asiwaju has the magic wand to turn our sorrow as a nation to joy.

What the dawn holds, you will be able to forecast from the night before by the impacts and hope presented the night earlier. The era of visionless leadership has finally come to an end.