Hon. Akeem Amao is a man you will appreciate sharing quality time with, for his simplicity and intellectual capacity. A Senior Legislative Assistant to the Senate President, in this interview with ABDULRAHEEM OLAITAN of Skye Reporters, spoke on topical and interesting sociopolitical issues and sundry matters in polity.
Excerpts:
SR: It’s a great pleasure meeting you, sir. Can I have a brief introduction of you?
Amao: The pleasure is mine. I am Akeem Amao, a native of Ojoku in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State. I am a motivational speaker, an entrepreneur, a project manager and a true advocate of good governance. Also by His grace, I am an Aide to the Senate President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
SR: Can you dig a bit into your background; your growing up, academic profile and what have you?
Amao: Well, I grew up like every average Nigerian child. Coming from a humble background, I must say growing up was very interesting.
I was born and brought up in Kwara State. I had my elementary education in Biodun Nursery and Primary School, Ilorin, and my High School was in Offa Grammar School. I proceeded to Kwara State Polytechnic for my tertiary education and graduated with Higher National Diploma (HND) in Marketing.
After my graduation from the polytechnic I left the shore of Nigeria for UK to bag a postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership CMI UK. In addition, I bagged a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Gloucestershire. Professionally, I am a Chartered Manager (in view), by Chartered Management Institute UK. I also have a Prince 2 Project Management qualification…and still counting because learning ends only when we cease to breath.
SR: Fantastic! You have a lovely CV, you know?
Amao: Smiles…thanks, but not until I become a Professor.
SR: Cut in… What informed your academic profile?
Amao: My quest for knowledge acquisition. I am a type that believe in exploration. Exploration I mean is that, seeking knowledge as far as China. Learning new things, acquiring knowledge after knowledge. Building and preparing myself for the future informed my unrelenting learning skill. I strongly believe a knowledgeable person is a liberated person and you know when you stop learning you are half dead. I love challenges and I love preparing for one.
SR: What have you been doing after academic pursuit?
Amao: After my series of studies in the UK, I ventured into Real Estate and Auto business. And that is what I have been doing before returning to the country few years ago to join political train.
SR: Can you share your western world experience with with me?
Amao: That won’t be necessary because it’s a continuum. I still visit UK and the United State of America often. I only returned to make my own contribution to the development of my fatherland. But in all honesty, western world is good because they have a working system, facilitated by good leadership. This is why people like me make it a point of duty to join politics, ascend leadership position and make meaningful changes in the way we do things in the country.
SR: Is that your main reason for joining politics?
Amao: Yes! Because I have passion for development, transformation and liberation of the people, especially the youth, and that has informed my decision to venture into politics. To lead and make genuine impact in the lives of the people.
SR: What has been your contributions to the people of your area since you joined politics?
Amao: I would not want to be a judge in my own case, I don’t appreciate blowing my trumpet. Or you want me to be saying I paid some students school fees, I paid some ailing people’s medical bills, water supply support through boreholes and all that? That I won’t do. You may wish to visit my ward, visit my local government, ask the people of my area, then come up with your own appraisal. All I can tell you now is that, I have been doing my best to put smiles on the faces of the downtrodden, touch lives positively and contribute meaningfully to the development of my immediate community and the state, right before I joined politics till date. The Akeem Amao before you is not a paper weight politician who doesn’t have his root with the people or who do not have the experience. I have planted my political strength on a fertile land of the grassroot, which makes it germinate on daily basis. I made a remarkable contributions across the state while I was in CPC, and still carrying on with the firebrand in APC.
SR: So, how has politics been? Any challenges or frustration? And what has been your gain so far?
Amao: Your question by my understanding is 3-in-1, and I’d like to answer it chronologically. Politics has been cool and my contributions has been on continual note, both directly and indirectly. Those who are close to me can attest to the fact that I’m a mover and shaker of scene. I don’t warm bench wherever I found myself. I believe in making positive impact, especially in the lives of people. Politics has taught me so many things, it has draw me more closer to the people especially the rural dwellers. It has also afford me the opportunity to touch lives. Although, I have been offering philantropic gestures but politics has really widen the scope of my philantropism.
Challenges or frustration to me, is just a norm of every sphere of human endeavours. We must learn to carry the cross of challenges in any calling, particularly the ones that involve people. I have learnt just one lesson from challenge, It’s part of prices one have to pay for success in a race.
Frustration may come through someone or something, but one have to overlook some of those things and move on. If you chose to clear every mess on your way, you might not get to your destination in time. Once you understand what we call Individual differences, then you won’t have problem dealing with any kind of people. I am not trying to exonerate myself over anyone’s obloquy or impression of me, which to me are mere fallacies, namby-pampy without objectivity.
Obviously, in politics, there is always conflict of interest and your opposing interest will always want you to go into the oblivion politically, but the God I serve have been so wonderful to me. The more they try, the more I wax stronger. I have come to stay and I’ll continue to show the difference between loyalty and sycophancy. I’ll keep showing the difference between fantasy and reality.
Talking about the gain(s) I have garnered in my political struggle, I think I have reservations for that. Gain in what perspective if I may ask? Of what yardstick do you measure gain? If monetary or material gain is what you are pointing at, please count me out. I did not join politics to acquire wealth. I did not join politics to enrich myself at the expense of the electorates. I joined politics to make impact, to contribute my own quota towards development of the people and the society. So, I only count my gain in the number of lives I have been able to touch in the course.
SR: We all know politics is filled with junks of disagreements, have you any personal grudge with anyone or group, be it political or apolitical, that could warrant any misinformation about you?
Amao: Never, Ever! I am a friend to all. I have always allow the virtue of patience to take its course and reflects in my private and public conducts. As a public man and a politician, I know misunderstanding is inevitable while dealing with people of different backgrounds, but if I notice or have misunderstanding with anyone, I won’t hesitate to call for peace before it aggravates.
SR: If you are given the mandate to serve the people in any capacity, what would be your priority?
Amao: Every sector of governance is important but I’d focus on youth development. It is only with human capital development that one can govern with ease. When the youth are engaged, when they have a direction, the society will be peaceful and the economy will grow.
SR: You sounds so passionate about youth development, why?
Amao: Like I said earlier, building the youth is as simple as building the nation towards a greater height… Youth development is an imperative to a better society. Youth empowerment must be taken as a child of necessity, for peace and development of a nation can only be guaranteed if and only when the youths are empowered. I am passionate about youth development because I am a youth as well, I have lived most of my life as an entrepreneur and I must tell you that the boss himself, Dr Bukola Saraki is running a youth friendly administration.
Youth development is not just important in governance, its a necessity. You know there is different between equipping people and developing them. When you equip people, you give them fish. When you develop people, you teach them how to fish. Help them to improve as individuals. Help them to acquire personal qualities that will benefit them in many areas of life. When you teach someone how to improve their skills, that’s development. What Senator Bukola Saraki I’ve found is that many leaders don’t have a developmental mind-set. What they fail to realize, however, is that development always pays higher dividends than equipping because it helps the whole person and lifts them to a higher level. Development is harder to do than equipping, but it is well worth the price. So, the future of the state and the country by extension is the driving force of my passion for youth development.
SR: What relationship do you keep with the senate president, being a boss and the political leader of your state?
Amao: Father and son relationship. With all due respect to the person and office of the Senate President, I have a good, robust and cordial working relationship with him! Remember, I am just one of his Aides. He is a fantastic boss, very interesting to work with. You know it is one thing to work with someone of his status and it is another thing to have access. The Senate President is accessible! He understands that people won’t go along with you if they can’t get along with you. His Excellency, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki is a born leader and an administrator per excellence. He is a true father of all and has demonstrated his rare leadership at countless instances. He is accommodating to a fault with maximum open door policy, and amazingly, he welcomes every developmental and progressive ideas. I appreciate him for the opportunity he has provided me to serve. I have learnt so much about leadership from him. Truly, challenges is a norm in leadership, but where others see challenges, he sees opportunity to innovate and thrive. The SP is someone whom I respect so much and I’ll maintain the cordiality evergreen. If I have to be telling you stuffs about Saraki we won’t leave here today. Dr Bukola Saraki, that uncommon creature is the emperor that owns the political empire where all of us seek political abode today in Kwara. He is the leader of all and boss of bosses. If I do not love and respect him, who else do I accord the respect?
SR: How would you react to the Award of honour presented to the Senate President recently as “The Sun Newspaper – Most Outstanding Senator of the Year”?
Amao: Yes, it was a right honour bestowed on whom it’s due. He is truly an outstanding Senator of the year. Judging him from any angle of legislative function and his leadership of the National Assembly, I think he deserves even more.
You see, going back to the memory lane, prior to his emergence as the senate president, I had the privilege of speaking to men of the press and my predictions about him has come to pass.
I was asked why I am so passionate about Senator Saraki? I responded: ” I am very passionate about Nigeria and my encounter with Senator Saraki gives me the confidence that we still have few men who are intellectually sound with the needed clout to move Nigeria forward. Men like that are few in Nigeria. Giving such a man a shot at the very top will not only propel the growth of Nigeria, it will also renew the hope of many passionate Nigerians like me.
When asked if he was going to make a better Senate President?
I told them “Yes, I have no iota of doubt. The records are there and I am not making anything up. He has the experience to take Nigeria forward. He has the clout, capacity, credibility, knowledge, ability, exposure and the will. He is not a bench warmer. He has contributed positively on the floor of the Senate, geared towards the development of this nation.
One of the interesting plenary that I have watched was when he demanded accountability on the issue of subsidy. Till date, there are questions raised on that issue. We may never know this. That was just one instance out of many.
And I was also asked what I thought could stand against Saraki from becoming Senate President? I was fast to respond to that, “maybe a few selfish interests on the part of some people that may not want him to get there. But I am sure Nigerians are wiser now. Imagine what transpired on the issue of Presidency. This is the first time in the history of Nigeria that an opposition party would sweep off more that 70 per cent of the political positions, including the Presidency. I know that Nigerians will not choose leader based on sentiments or selfish reasons. So, I was confident about his emergence and the rest is now history. If similar thing happen in the future, don’t be surprised because he (Saraki) runs with divine and uncommon grace.
SR: Any regret so far, in the course of your service with the Senate President?
Amao: Regret? Not at all. The Senate President is a man you’ll love to work with, anyday, anytime. He is a fantastic, charismatic and intelligent leader. A brilliant boss that brings out the ‘army’ and ‘potentials’ in every individual around him. I have no iota of regret serving under him and I have no reason to regret whatsoever.
SR: Your kinsman is the Senator representing Kwara South Senatorial district at the upper chamber of the National Assembly, how do you relate with him?
Amao: Ordinarily, I would not have answered your question because I know in politics there are all kinds of things. I know there must be something going round for you to ask this question. Nonetheless, my answer to your question without any mix feeling is that, Dr Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim is my big brother and my senator. He is to me a pride of my kin. Looking at his performance as a representative of the people of my senatorial district gives me joy and makes me proud as well. He is a material anyone would love to have in his community or state. We are moving on fine, and I am very proud of him.
SR: What is your assessment of the 8th senate under the leadership of Dr. Bukola Saraki?
Amao: Sigh!!… In all honesty, let me be frank with you without fear or favour, the 8th Senate under the Distinguished Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki has been performing creditably well. This is the senate with highest number of bills and motions; the senate that has fast track the implementation of many national obligations; the senate that opened the NASS for transparency and accountability in the interest of the public; the senate that gives room for public contributions in the scheme of things through various media platforms; the senate that make its stand on separation of power and rule of law; the senate that is helping the executive to succeed in its anti corruption war; the senate that has been proactive to the yearnings of nigerians. Indeed, the leadership prowess of Dr Bukola Saraki has again been proved to the world through this national window. By my assessment, the senate has scored 95% and Dr Bukola Saraki remain a leader to beat. He is more than efficient. He is a kind of leader we need in this digital generation.
SR: Are you not worried on how the 2019 polls will play out?
Amao: There is so much to worry about especially the security situation in the country. We are praying that the elections will come and go peacefully.
SR: Irrespective of political affiliation, who among the gladiators is your preferred candidate for president come 2019?
Amao: The power to appoint leaders belongs to God, only Him will chose for us when the time comes. 2019 is still far, let’s not incite the public with undue statements.
SR: Will your Leader, Senator Bukola Saraki run for presidency in 2019?
Amao: Unfortunately, I am not his spokesperson in any form of media. The answer to that question lies within him. *But, in that brilliant man, I see a brighter future for this country*. Nigeria and Nigerians would appreciate the ‘Messiah’ in him soon.
SR: [sigh]…. You are vibrant and articulate indeed!
Amao: Thanks for the complements.
SR: Politician and aspirations are like monkey and banana, what is your plan for 2019?
Amao: Laugh!!!… God will lead my way, He knows the best for me, and He will guide me aright. With ordainment of God and the endorsement of Dr Bukola Saraki, what will be will be in Kwara political landscape.
SR: Are you saying without Bukola Saraki, you or anyone can not become anything politically in Kwara?
Amao: Don’t quote me out of context, I am not saying my leader is God, I am only talking from experience. You will recall that I used to be in the opposition during the defunct CPC, I know what transpired, I know how things were being done, I have better understanding of Kwara politics… coming from the other end before joining the mainstream. Kwarans don’t align with political party, Saraki is our party, wherever he goes, majority goes. It has been like that since the memorable days of Late Dr Olusola Saraki, father of the Senate President. The Sarakis of this world owns the political winning card to their chest and they play to win anyday, anytime. I respect the family, they are genius.
SR: Any word of advice to the public, especially the youths?
Amao: What more can we say than to urge our people to be up and doing in supporting the government of the day through progressive ideas and prayers. We should always be appreciative of government efforts in bringing dividends of democracy to our fore.
The youths should eschew violence and avoid being used as agents of destruction. They should be creative and think beyond free money that won’t take them beyond their living rooms. God of creation will direct our noble course and guide our leaders aright.
SR: Thank you so much for your time, sir.
Amao: The pleasure is all mine.