Hon. Rotimi Makinde is on another four year mission. Even though he is a well known celebrity in Nigeria. The fact that he’s one of the very popular faces in movies and Osun Politics , Hon. Rotimi Makinde himself might not envisage he would be so popular as a politician until he, against all odds, contested to represent his people at Ife Federal Constituency at the House of Reps in 2007 which became fruitful only in 2011-2015.
A thorough bred politician, Makinde’s foray into politics brought a whole lot of intrigues especially from his homestead where he has to face stiff opposition as Senator Iyiola Omisore who happens to come from the same constituency with him is from Peoples Democratic Party, the major opposition to Makinde’s APC as governorship candidate .
But today, his emergence as a new bred politician of note has remained a blessing to his constituents who couldn’t stop showering him with encomiums over the success of his effective and efficient representation for just a term. He is now more knowledgeable, mature and building friends across party lines. He was able to raise several motions while in the house and embarked on series of unprecedented empowerment that can not be matched by the present representative, notably among his motions was the one on the need to translate the National Anthem and the pledge into Nigerian indigenous languages. Also popular was his motion on the need to make it mandatory for the issuance of fire -arms to police officers who have served for 10 years and above.
In a recent chat with Amiloaded, he revealed why he is consulting at this moment with serious intention to go for another four years. Excerpts:
Are you seeking re-election and do you think you have done well in your first tenure to warrant reelection? Why not higher elective office?
I give glory to God for the fact that He has been able to use me. I must say I’m not fulfilled yet as a legislator, though I will humbly submit myself to any level my people or party so want me. I am presently serving as a member of the Judicial Service Commission. While in the House, I did make some promises to my party, people and few covenants to do some certain things for my people and to plant my name in their memory for life just like Late Papa Obafemi Awolowo. That I have not been able to do maximally. Not in the area of material things but my responsibilities to the people of my constituency. I have submitted myself as an instrument of change. I am the Chief servant and I feel I was born because of them. For being a product of Rauf Aregbesola’s political school has really prepared me well for the task ahead.
What gives you the confidence that you would win the House of Reps seat?
I believe I would win next election because my people cannot afford to be derailed one more time. My electoral misfortune actually slowed down the dividend of democracy in my Constituency. They certainly know what they were benefiting from us as a progressive since we have been representing them. Its very obvious for people to see and a good analytical mind can easily compare my tenure with the present Papa.
What is your take on the forthcoming governorship election in the state
Th truth is that if we choose right, beating APC will be an herculean task for any political party. Gov Rauf Aregbesola, the uncommon sitting governor had done what many doubting Thomases can not imagine in the state.
For now, we should be concerned on who emerged as our governorship candidate and how best to win the state for APC come September 2018. The truth also is that Ife desire a ranking person to be able to enjoy real dividend of democracy, you can imagine what the people of Osogbo, Orolu federal Constituency are enjoying today. This is not just that Nigerians desire a change and vibrant legislative session. It will interest you to know that I have also been contributing immensely to the development of the movie and broadcasting industry and all these gestures are considered the reason why I am today bagging several chieftaincy titles both in Ife and its environ most recently is the title of Bobajiro and Yeye Bobajiro of Ede bestowed on me and my beautiful wife by Timi of Ede.
Rotimi Makinde is my brother from Ile-Ife, I mean we are from the same political geographical enclave, we are not related biologically. I will like him to mention specifically 2 persons per local government in Ife four local governments of Centra, East, North, South and Area Office that can tell a positive story about him and his performance while in the house. He should be specific about what can be pointed out as his achievements either physically or abstractly.