“It Has Always Been My Desire To Serve Boki Even Without Recent Autonomy”-Hon Krees Ojonde

Dearth of sincere leadership has been the albatross on Nigeria’s socioeconomic and political wheels. Over the years, this menace of self-aggrandizement or gratification has fueled official corruption like a tree planted by the rivers of waters producing endemic fruits for the populace. To orchestrate a new narrative of hope and prosperity for all, interrogation of blueprints and antecedent of aspiring leaders with a view to highlight their policy thrust for informed decisions by the electorate has become pertinent. As preparations unfold for the forthcoming Local Government Election in Boki, Hon. Krees Ojonde, a leading contender for Chairmanship on the platform of ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in an exclusive interview with parliamentvanguard.com bore his mind on topical issues including his policy thrust if entrusted with the mandate to govern. Excerpt  

WHAT IS YOUR NAME AND PLACE OF ORIGIN?

“My name is Krees Ojonde from Butatong Village, Boki Local Government Area, Cross River State.”

GIVEN CURRENT POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS ARISING FROM THE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY. WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON THE SAID FINANCIAL AUTONOMY?

“When the Supreme Court Judgment on Local Government Autonomy was pronounced, I saw it as a welcome development because, bringing governance closer to those at the grass root is a fundamental objective of the Local Government Administration in Nigeria. So, granting that tier of government financial autonomy is a welcome development like I said earlier. Governance is about development which the financial autonomy is set to achieve.

“The autonomy came at a very good time as it will afford the people a feel of what comes to them from the federation account. Going forward, it will be a different ball game entirely for rural development. As an elected Council Chairman, it beholds on you to touch the lives of your people with the huge resources at your disposal.”

CROSS RIVER STATE IS WARMING UP FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION. ARE YOU CONSIDERING A SHOT AT COUNCIL CHAIRMAN GIVEN HUGE ALLOCATIONS FROM THE FEDERATION ACCOUNT?

“Without the recent autonomy, it has always been my desire to serve my people having served the local government as Vice Chairman under late, Chief Hon. Jonas Obi Out among other experiences I have gathered over the years. So, with or without the financial autonomy, I should serve my people diligently. It is my desire to aspire for the office of Boki Council Chairman. This is predicated on the fact that I have all it takes to run the Office effectively. I have also served the local government at the capacity of Special Assistant, Special Duties. While in PDP, I served as the protocol Officer to the state Chairman, and as chapter Secretary of Boki PDP as it then was. Having been well groomed on the art of leadership, it is only logical for me to aspire higher.

“Having the money at your disposal as Council boss is one thing and using it judiciously is another thing. As a person, I’m poised to leaving legacies in the sands of time, which makes me most suited for this plump job. In a nutshell, I’m very ready and qualified for the Chairmanship position in the forthcoming local government election in Cross River State.

TALKING OF LEGACIES, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IF GIVEN THE MANDATE BY YOUR CONSTITUENTS TO LEAD THEM?

“Having served as Vice Chairman among other positions, I know the problems of Boki.  I am always home with my people, I have diagnosed their challenges. I know that they need rural roads to connect with themselves and by extension transport their agricultural produce for high bargains. I know they need a commercial bank to save their monies and other valuables. I know they need security of their lives and property, I know they need a functional healthcare that addresses their health challenges, I know they need education to break barriers among others. When I get to the office God willing, everyone will see the difference.”

AMIDST ARRAY OF ASPIRANTS, WHY DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AS MOST QUALIFIED FOR BOKI CHAIRMANSHIP POSITION?

“I am most qualified because I have the requisite experience, goodwill of the people and commitment to lead my dearest people of Boki aright. Secondly, I come from Alankwu ward which is the most disadvantaged ward in Boki. Alankwu ward waited patiently for 33 years after the reigns of Chief Bartholomew Okurishi from this extraction in 1991, the first Executive Chairman of Boki. Every other ward in Constituency 1 had tested this position after Chief Okurishi of blessed memory. Therefore, in the spirit of brotherhood, equity and justice, it is incumbent for the Chairmanship to go back to Alankwu ward were it all began in 1991, like the #BACKTOSOUTH# agitations in Cross River which eventually produced His Excellency, Prince Bassey Edet Otu. That a child is short, slim and ugly is not a yardstick to be denied basic amenities from parents or caregiver. In the same vein, that Alankwu ward is peaceful, patriotic with no assumed political gladiators is not enough to deny them of their civic right.

“As a society, we must live for one another. I appeal to the consciences of my contenders and other critical stakeholders to support Alankwu ward and myself in this mission of liberating our cherished local government area. Having worked as Special Assistant at the local government level, worked as Vice Chairman, it is only logical I progress to the chairmanship position as I have grown through the cradle. For emphasis, I have the capacity to lead with results following. I thank God for the massive supports my aspirations has received. It is my conviction that God who started this process would execute it to the later.  I urge my supporters to remain steadfast as I have been a product of consistent loyalty and followership.”