“No Alternative To Civil Rule” …Kwara APC Chief, Sunday Babalola

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Hon. Sunday Babalola

Mr.  Sunday Adebayo Babalola is a man of many parts; he is a technocrat, a politician and  Pastor. Known for his philanthropic efforts, the Omu-Aran, Kwara State born Babalola who was a popular PDP guber aspirant in 2011 is currently an APC chieftain in the State of Harmony. In this interview with AKINLOLU ABAYOMI, the amiable chap spoke on reasons for venturing into politics, the chances of APC in the forthcoming general elections and other issues.

Excerpts…

 

What were the factors that made you develop interest in politics?

Every person is a political being, whether we know it or not, we are all politicians. The traits actually exist in all of us. Having said that, my interest in politics came to the fore when God told me specifically on 24th of December 2009 that, ‘evil will continue to prevail as long as good people refuse to act’. I know that I am a good person and such realization made me feel very strongly that I needed to veer into politics. The sincere truth is that the good people in Nigeria are either sitting on the fence maintaining a ‘sit down-de-look’ position or even outside the perimeter of good governance. When you allow only the ‘area boys’ to determine how you are governed, it is the height of imbecility. Therefore, having heard such message from God, I decided that I will neither sit on the fence nor stay outside the perimeter but will be involved in politics. And, believe it or not, it yielded great results. Before I came into politics, nobody in Kwara dared go and collect nomination and intention forms until I led the way, these days, they now ask all of them that are interested to go and collect the forms themselves. Before then, they usually wait for a man to say ‘Mi fun e’ meaning in English ‘I give you’ this position or that position.

 

You ventured into politics, made your mark and surprisingly later become inactive, sort of, why?

I am not inactive at all. I discovered that it is not by just gathering the people and making so much public noise that will deliver my state. I have therefore become involved in a number of activities that will help educate my people. I have embarked on supporting great organizations that are serious in fighting the ills existing in my state. Such organizations, which are very loyal to me include the Zealous Kwara Youths; the Energetic Youths Forum; the Kwara North Dynamic Youths;  Kwara South Unique Youths Forum; The Elite Youths of Kulende and the   Kwara Progressive Front. They are my constituency for now. Therefore, I have not been inactive but I have been involved in empowering and educating the youths in order that they will not be enslaved forever by father, son and the grandchild, because that is the way Kwara politics is leading to. It is only in the state that we have a family in the executive and in all levels of legislative arms. Very sad indeed! The mentioned youth groups are going around educating people via various programmes such as seminars, Ward to Ward talks and so on. They are doing a great job in persuading the people to forget about politics of ‘stomach infrastructure’ and pursue economic development and social emancipation. Sadly, it is only in Nigeria that you hear such senseless words.

 

You though lost to the incumbent governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed at the PDP guber primary held at the Baseball Court, Adewole Estate in January 2011, but however had delegates kept on the edge of their seats when you had a few numbers among the delegates from Ilorin West Local Government voting for you. How did you do it? 

I presented myself and my intended programmmes of action to show what I would do if I have the opportunity and the privilege to lead the state. I also stated how I will ensure finances are available to achieve the programmes without placing heavy burden on the people through taxation.  I stated how we will prudently manage the state resources. I stated how we intend to explore and exploit the natural resources in the state in line with constitutional provisions. We were the only contestant that had a manifesto fully developed by me without external help. It was well thought out. A lot of researches went into it. I asked myself the simple question: ‘If I have opportunity to sit in government house, what will I do with the trust?  A lot of people saw it and believed in it. They said this man has not ‘eaten government money’. He is not spoilt like the rest of them. He had worked very hard to convince us. That actually made the powers that be felt uncomfortable and that was why they almost stopped me from entering the venue. They felt I could spring surprises. Even though we were gathered at the venue as early as 7:00 am, the primaries could not start for basically the stated reason.  However, threats started to come. I knew, as one of the singers – I think Bob Marley – sang, he who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day. I had earlier reported threats to my life to the police, and the SSS. In spite of that, people were calling me to ask me if it was true that I withdrew. I think from the tone of their voices, they were not happy that I withdrew.

 

Have Nigerians fared well under the country’s 19 years of unbroken democracy?

I think that Nigeria is better off under democratic rule than under the martial law. The martial rulers created the mess we currently find ourselves. Their last days brought corruption to the level it is today. And the very corrupt politicians are trying to hold us back. That is why it seems we are not progressing at all. Gradually, things will realign. We will get better.

 

How would you rate President Muhammadu Buhari ‘s administration?

The President, apart from the fact that he was totally mute concerning the killing of the people by the Fulani herdsmen and choosing mainly his kinsmen for appointment into government positions, he is in my opinion, doing very well. He should have shown more concern with respect to people’s lives. The economy is better and it is growing. The world now views Nigeria from a different light now – from ‘fantastically corrupt’ to ‘it is getting better’.  Impunity has reduced seriously.  Give it a little more time, things will change.

 

 

What have been your happy moments in politics?

Whao! That is a big question. For me, it was the day Dr Goodluck Jonathan conceded victory to his opponent by accepting defeat. Fear was all over the land. Considering the African history of sit-tight leaders, that was a good moment. It saved the country from a lot of imminent negative things. His followers would rather want that he did not accept defeat. We saw what Orubebe and others did. It was for me a glorious moment when he called Buhari to congratulate him. It changed the course of history and showed that Africans have the capacity to do well.

 

Have you ever had a time you thought of quitting politics? If yes, why?

No! This thought never crossed my mind because as Wole Soyinka said ‘the man dies in him who is silent in the face of tyranny’. It will mean abandoning the people. However, because of the limited resources, I have to re-strategize. You know that, unlike others, we are using our hard-earned resources.

 

You are known for your philanthropic efforts, what has been the driving force?  Can you tell us about your NGO and its activities?

The desire of my wife and I, to help as many people as possible has been the driving force. Our non-governmental organization, the Bunmi and Bayo Babalola Foundation gives scholarships to indigent students who, albeit, would have had problem continuing with their education because of a mere N10, 000. With the way the country is blessed, this should not have been the case. We help with the repair of structures in schools. We drill boreholes for communities and schools. We look at where interventions are needed and see how we can be of help. The Bayo and Bunmi Babalola Foundation cuts across all strata. It is inter-religious and non-partisan. We have another ministry called ‘Trust in the Lord’ which helps the Christian community as much as we can. This is done in our major area of residence, Lagos.

 

You have identified with the ruling party at the federal level, the APC and the guber election holds in Kwara State next year, do you think your party can record election victory?

I think barring any primordial consideration by the populace, the APC, will win. I do not actually see a good alternative to the APC for now.

 

What negative effects do you think the lack of unity can have on the party and what role have you played in working towards unity in the state APC?

Lack of unity in the APC may make the desired election victory a hard won. Instead of a clear victory, it may be marginal. The case is even made worse by the Fulani herdsmen issues. APC should quickly address it. The fight for power is so hard because people are not usually called to question on their performance in government, the economy of the people depends on government patronage because government is involved in business instead of regulating it and there is no financial structure that devolves the economy to the hardworking people. A lazy man can become a billionaire overnight because he knows someone in government and not because he has good ideas. Sons of governors, who have not done any thinking in their lives have become stupendously rich for doing nothing. So, everybody is fighting to have a piece of the action in national cake sharing.

 

Could you tell us about yourself?

You already know my name. I am married to the most beautiful, loving woman that no words can be put together to describe. I am blessed with three children, two of whom have Masters degrees in engineering and the middle one is a medical doctor and currently running two Masters Degrees programmes in Public Health and Hospital Management. I retired from the Department of Petroleum Resources and currently, a freelancing consultant.

 

You and your wife are an example of a perfect married couple, can you tell us how the two of you met and what got you attracted to her?

I saw her coming one day and an inner message told me that was my wife coming. I inquired about her and followed her up until she gave me a positive nod. It took sometime but it was really worth it.

 

Using yours as reference point, what is your advice for intending couples and what are the basic principles, they need to apply to ensure a peaceful home?

The major mistake intending couples make is the idea of mistaking ‘fatal attraction’ for true love. They overlook so many things. During the dating period, a man shouts at you and because of the so-called love, the girl turns the other cheek. The man will soon start to beat her and yet it will be same story. It is actually the major problem. They should also learn to give and take.

 

What is your philosophy of life?

Do good to as many people as you meet in life whenever you have the opportunity to do so.