Gubernatorial candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Oyo, Mr Olukayode Popoola says NNPP is not be intimidated by portfolio of other parties and will win the 2023 general elections.
Popoola, who is the immediate past Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State on Wednesday in Lagos, told journalist that NNPP had adequate mechanism to take over power in Oyo and Nigeria.
According to him, NNPP was registered since 2002 but brought to Oyo to restore sanity in the political space and pursue an agenda of rapid development to better the lot of citizens.
Popoola, who decamped from the PDP said: “I am not intimidated at all, they – other political parties are the ones that are being intimidated by the existence of New Nigeria Peoples Party.’’
The Oyo guber candidate said that he resigned from his duties as the Federal Controller, Works, to venture into politics because of his desire to use his expertise to bridge huge infrastructure gap in the state.
He said several infrastructure including schools, hospitals and other facilities were dilapidated and needed completed rehabilitation and overhaul which he hoped to undertake after winning the 2023 general election.
He said that the worsening insecurity challenges in the state had assumed a worrying dimension which his administration would curb in addition to allowing local government autonomy.
“Local governments are created to perform certain responsibilities, which will be given to them, their money will not be spent by our own party when we assume office.
“We will allow whoever is the chairman of the local government to handle the affairs of the council. They are to do the roads that are in their vicinity,’’ he said.
He added that local governments should be empowered to handle several dilapidated roads, drains and other road furniture within local communities in Oyo.
Popoola, a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers said his over 30 years’ experience in design, construction, and rehabilitation of roads across the federation would make Oyo State better in infrastructure delivery.
“Infrastructural development definitely will be an area that is going to witness massive development,’’ he said.
He also promised ICT and technology hubs to create jobs and boost economy of the state as well as ensure youths’ skill acquisition and empowerment opportunities.
“Whatever the youths can do will assist them. We are going to create ICT hubs in every local government and create a data base to assist the elderly with monthly stipends.
“I will take advantage of several foreign grants available but not loans to boost opportunities and eradicate poverty in the state,’’ he said.
