African Democratic Congress (ADC) House of Representatives candidate for Bwari/AMAC Federal Constituency, Barrister Juliet Ikhayere, speaks with Arogbonlo Israel on her plans and programmes for the people, and the chain of events that inspired her support for Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, among other key issues surrounding the 2023 elections.
Excerpts…
What inspired your zest for politics?
The need to be a solution provider, thereby utilising my skills in advocacy, legal knowledge, and helping people by shaping their thoughts towards a particular direction for a better society. I delved into politics through a colleague of mine who saw my character and commitment to the NBA (Nigeria Bar Association). So, it was easier for me to accept the request (to delve into politics) because of my zest as someone who wants to bring impact to her environment.
How has the journey been so far?
The journey has been tough and at the same time sweet; it has a lot of bitter experiences ranging from lack of participation of youth to the political awareness, and literacy level, that is, people not being able to comprehend the political manifestos of candidates like myself. Also, the environment has been kind of tough because we are in a situation where a lot of people are asking questions, they (electorates) asking us to talk about the normal propaganda used to pull down candidates irrespective of where they are coming from is actually wrong. I think we need to start asking the right questions in order for candidates to tell the right answers. Yes, we say issued-based politics but we need to do more to tilt our questions toward issued-based answers. The challenge has also been tough in respect to finance, especially for a youth who is just coming up with a burning desire to effect change. But I also thank God for the encouragement and it’s been good for me.
For someone with a close affinity to ADC, why are you supporting Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi?
The truth is this (pauses)… I decided to support Peter Obi because the youth are decisive about what they want this time around and they have chosen to trod a path of electing a government that can work for the people and is ready to engage the youth who form the major demography of Nigeria. So, coming from a person like me who ran in February, I could see the high rate of apathy in the land, especially in FCT where we have a lot of persons from all States of the federation resident yet you could see such high level of non-participation in the local elections tells a lot and this has been the situation over the years. It interests me to see my generation woke up to something different for the first time. And also understanding that the ADC has expelled our presidential candidate (Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu) gives me a lot of opportunities to tilt towards the direction of wanting a government that takes the interest of the people to heart.
Is it apt to say you’re riding on the popularity of Peter Obi?
No, I’m not. I actually ride on my own popularity because the things that I have actually implored in my campaign are my strategies. We don’t even have support groups working with us from the Obi’s camp and I don’t intend to use the popularity of Obi. The truth is that the people of FCT are also interested in Obi’s campaign and so if my constituency says these are the reasons why they will come out and support me because they want an all inclusive-government, then there has to be a synergy for us to align for the benefit of the people.
As ADC Reps candidate for AMAC/Bwari, how do you intend to change the old order?
There has been a gap between the representatives and the represented and I intend to have foot-soldiers in the respective wards in order to have clarity of what the people need even when we get into office. This will enable us to have a working relationship with the people and then have a means where we can take their needs to the government for appropriate implementation.
Let’s discuss your relationship with your party’s flag-bearer, Kachikwu Dumebi. What went wrong?
I do not have any personal issues with the presidential candidate because he (Mr Dumebi) is actually running under an executive seat which absolutely has nothing to do with the legislative. I just want the good of my people and my constituency matters most to me, and my loyalty is to Nigeria.
Tell us a bit about your plans and programmes for your constituents if elected
My plans for my constituency are numerous. We plan to take into consideration the needs of the people which are ranging from the lack of infrastructure, lack of basic amenities, high rate of illiteracy, and lack of awareness. I intend to solve this by liaising with the necessary agencies. This is through diplomacy and also synergising with other Reps members in order to bring succour through bills, policies, and laws. I also plan to engage with the other arms of the government, especially speaking against issues that will have social justice impact on the people. Also plan to bring in programmes that are funded by private organisations, CSOs, and a whole lots more.
What is your piece of advice for women aspiring for political office?
I advise them not to give up. They should keep pushing. Once you stand for something worthwhile and legitimate, the world will find a way to align with your thoughts as long as it is for the benefit of the people.
