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Chief Iyiola Ajani Omisore, a former Deputy Governor of Osun State (1999-2003) and former senator (2003-2011), served as the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) until 2022.
During the 2022 APC presidential primary, which saw the emergence of Ahmed Bola Tinubu as the party’s candidate for the 2023 presidential election, Omisore played a significant role. In this interview, he shares his views on various issues in the country, including the APC presidential primary.
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Reflecting on the current state of the country, Omisore acknowledges that the idea of a “great Nigeria” can vary depending on one’s perspective.
He emphasizes Nigeria’s journey since independence, marked by various challenges such as military coups, civil war, and political transitions. Despite these challenges, Omisore sees progress in Nigeria’s democratic transition, particularly under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Regarding poverty alleviation, Omisore acknowledges that poverty exists in every nation and that tackling it requires both government intervention and public cooperation.
He highlights the government’s efforts in this regard, such as the establishment of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and various poverty reduction programs. However, he also emphasizes the importance of public honesty and cooperation in making these efforts successful.
Addressing concerns about government trustworthiness and perceived excesses, particularly regarding the purchase of expensive vehicles for lawmakers, Omisore defends the need for security measures and emphasizes the importance of protecting government officials.
He also acknowledges public dissatisfaction with certain government actions but argues that some criticisms may be based on perception rather than reality.
Reflecting on the performance of the APC since 2015, Omisore acknowledges that progress takes time and describes President Tinubu’s administration as a work in progress.
He defends controversial decisions such as the removal of fuel subsidy, emphasizing the need for bold steps in governance.
Regarding cabinet reshuffling, Omisore acknowledges that it is within the president’s prerogative but emphasizes the importance of assessing ministers based on performance rather than perceived outstanding qualities.
Discussing the APC presidential primary in 2022, Omisore acknowledges differences in interests among party members but emphasizes the democratic nature of the process. He defends the party’s decision-making process and emphasizes the importance of transparency in primary elections.
On the issue of the minimum wage, Omisore stresses the importance of negotiation between the government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). He emphasizes the need for both parties to be reasonable and consider factors such as inflation trends and the government’s financial capacity in reaching a resolution.
Overall, Iyiola provides insights into various issues facing Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of democracy, transparency, and cooperation in addressing them.
