Akala, Ajimobi tango at gubernatorial debate

A live debate organized by an Ibadan based private radio station, Space FM, for candidates in the February 28 governorship election in Oyo State provided a veritable platform for the incumbent governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and one of his predecessors, former governor, Adebayo Alao- Akala, to sell their manifestos to the people of the state. The gubernatorial candidate of Accord Party, AP, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, who was also billed to appear on the programme, however, boycotted the debate. The organizers did not tell listeners why the former governor failed to appear on the live broadcast. Although the debate did not generate any rancor between the two contenders, they, however disagreed on some policy issues, while they agreed on others.

When asked why Otunba Akala wants to come back after his 2007-2011 tenure, The former governor say he is coming back to heed to the masses clamoring for his return and to better his performance while he was in office.
Speaking further he says “it’s not a must for me to become governor but i feel i am the right man for the job”

Reacting to an allegation of insecurity during his tenure in office, Otunba Alao Akala says his tenure was more peaceful than this present tenure, He alleges that the present administration has legalize thuggery “it’s wrong for thugs to be entitled to police escort as this tenure has allowed”

On education, Otunba Akala say if elected, he will work on the foundation he has laid to develop Education, He proposes Free Compulsory and Qualitative Basic Education, No promise of free education at tertiary institutions but scholarships & bursary will be made readily available to help. Speaking further he said Technical Education has been sidelined and promise to revive it if given another opportunity to govern the state.

On Agriculture, Otunba Alao Akala laid emphasis on the importance of agriculture, says, if elected, he would promote Agro-economy, His administration won’t depend on oil money.
“I will raise money to invest in Agriculture by partnering with corporate organizations, Oil money is not an option, during my tenure CBN gave Oyo State an award for good agricultural development, we have done it in the past and we can still do better if given the opportunity again”

On power Otunba Alao Akala sought for independent power generation which was on course before he left office and promise to revisit the project if reelected.

The debate which lasted for 2hours, 45 minutes was aired live, the organizer thanks the two gubernatorial candidates for displaying maturity and urge them to address their adherents against violence during and after election.