Chris Ayebusiwa is a household name in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, where he represents one of the two constituencies as a member of the 10th Ondo State House of Assembly.
From Okitipupa Constituency I, Ayebusiwa is the Chairman, House Committee on Tertiary Institutions, and holds membership of other critical standing committees, including House Committees on Public Accounts, Judiciary and Public Petitions, Women Affairs and Social Development, Special Persons and Disability, Inter-parliamentary Relations, Water Resources, Ethics and Privileges, Governor’s Office and Protocols Committee, Works, and Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC). He speaks on sundry political issues in Ondo State, including Governor Aiyedatiwa’s 100 days in office, the Governor’s performance rating, his own mid-term report, among other things.
Excerpts:
As a member of the House of Assembly in Ondo State, how would you rate the performance of the 10th Assembly?
The 10th Assembly has not done badly. As an arm of government, the legislative arm, to all intents and purposes, has lived up to expectations. The 10th Assembly has done everything within its powers to be on the side of the people while also ensuring that there is progressive cooperation with other arms of government, particularly the executive. The 10th Assembly has produced very significant bills and has handled with distinction its oversight functions in various respects. So, speaking very objectively, the Assembly has lived up to public expectations.
How would you describe the relationship between the Governor and the State House of Assembly?
Cordial. Very cordial and mutually beneficial. Governor Aiyedatiwa has been quite supportive of the House of Assembly in its delivery of constitutional responsibilities to the state. He accords the House its deserved honour as a critical arm of government and does not unnecessarily interfere in its affairs. The Governor’s steady support for the House of Assembly extends beyond legislative activities. He has repeatedly shown interest in the affairs of our various constituencies through different interventions. Recently, the Governor approved funds for constituency-based projects in favour of all members, and that resulted in new physical projects springing up across the length and breadth of the state. That is not to say the House does not challenge or criticise issues where necessary. That is normal. But, as for the relationship, the House of Assembly has a warm relationship with the Governor. And, to this extent, it is united for him and his administration.
The Governor has marked his first 100 days in office. How would you rate the performance so far?
In all sincerity, it is too early to begin to judge the Governor’s performance. But what I can tell you for free is that the Governor has created a good impression early enough. His style of governance is both strategic and revolutionary, yet he is noiseless in his approach.
Rumour has it that there is a plan in some quarters to make Governor Aiyedatiwa run for another term. What is your take on this?
As far as I know, the Governor has not categorically expressed such interest. Of course, he is expectedly preoccupied with developmental issues for the state. I believe that, at the right time, the question of who contests what would be clearer; but that is not to say that Governor Aiyedatiwa does not deserve to have a two-term tenure like his predecessors, given the level of seriousness, passion and commitment that he brings to governance.
Recently, you marked your second year in office. How has the experience been like?
It has been both challenging and interesting. While the challenges are accepted as part of the rigour of the job, it is interesting to represent one’s constituency in government, which, for me, is a rare privilege. I bear an unusual burden as a choice of the people. Mine was a typical case of the masses’ resolute preference against the then political forces. The people stood with us, against all odds, and massively elected Chris Odunayo Ayebusiwa as the preferred candidate to represent the constituency at the 10th Ondo State House of Assembly. The mandate was given to me on the strength that I possess the requisite aptitudes for the office, and in the hope that we would not let the people down.
And, by the grace of God, we have thenceforth daily prioritised the progress of the constituency and the well-being of constituents, irrespective. We made significant strides on the legislative front in favour of my people, which was the primary assignment. We have also made visible and concrete efforts in community development, human capital development, health services, rural electrification, skills acquisition and empowerment, scholarships for students, and employment for our youths. In all of these, mine is an abiding attitude of gratitude, and I daily recommit myself to optimal performance until the very last day in office.
