Prince Idris Balogun, a House of Representatives aspirant in this no holds barred interview with AlimoshoTv crew’s Olatunji Idris & Olabisi Akinleye, speaks about his ambition and the need to allow the youths to take charge of the political machinery in Alimosho Local Government.
Excerpt:
AlimoshoTv: For the records, your name please?
Idris Balogun: My name is Hon. Prince Idris Balogun. Olu’ omo of Isheri Olofin.
AlimoshoTv: There is a story making the rounds about your intention to represent Alimosho federal constituency at House of Representatives come 2023. Tell us about it?
Idris Balogun: I really appreciate you for coming. It is true. The reason for this is because I want to librate the youth and bring the dividends of democracy to Alimosho federal constituency.
AlimoshoTv: Did you make consultations before embarking on this journey?
Idris Balogun: yes, I had met with our Apex leader,Alhaji Abdullah Enilolobo and he did not object to it but to my dismay, different stories started flying around afterwards. But for me, I have made up my mind to pursue this aspirations because it is all about the youth.
AlimoshoTv: What is your relationship with Ejigbdero and Jandor as relates to your aspirations vis – a- vis the allegation that Jandor is working PDP ?
Idris Balogun: Jandor is an APC member to the core. He is a man of the people. He carries everyone along. He has been with the progressives right from the days of Alliance for Democracy to All Progressives Congress. He’s very close to Mr. Babatunde Fashola, therefore cannot be said to be working for PDP. It does not add up. All this are none issues anyways, the real issue is to join hands together and stop Godfatherism in Alimosho and Lagos state at large and thereby allow the youths to take the center stage.
AlimoshoTv: What, if you are asked to jettison this aspiration?
Idris Balogun: The question you asked is what we are fighting for, to stop Godfathrerism. I am a son of the soil and ably qualified. I have been spending my money , time and energy for our party the APC. Nobody can tell me to step down. Ten years back, I once aspired for House of Assembly, they asked me to step down, nobody can tell me that now, I have paid my dues. I have been serving them for a very long time. So, the slogan now is “Enough is Enough”. No more Godfatherism.
AlimoshoTv: Do you have the structure to scale through during the primaries?
Idris Balogun: Smile… we built the structure together. I’m a Party member. I am not going to decamp to any other party. I deserve this, and I will get the party ticket.
AlimoshoTv: What have you done for the people in your community?
Idris Balogun: I have done a lot. I assist a lot. The youths, widows, orphanage homes etc. There was a time, I was a pauper but today I thank God, hence, helping is natural to me.
Cuts in… any pictorial evidence?
Idris Balogun: Just recently, I gave out cars and I can tell you none of them has done such. To God be the glory, it is our turn in Alimosho constituency 02.
AlimoshoTv: How did you get here?
Idris Balogun: Hmmm… focus and determination. It was rough but I thank God. To get myself where I am today, it has been a rough journey from primary school to secondary school and up to tertiary institution. I left Alimosho to build myself and where i am today. I never had it big initially but gradually. I am a business man and there is nothing I cannot do to make money provides it is legitimate. I had done menial jobs while growing up and all. It is not easy but we give God the glory today.
AlimoshoTv’: What would you do differently if elected to represent Alimosho federal constituency at the National Assembly?
Idris Balogun: Laugher… you want me to tell you my plans…
Cuts in.. yes.
Idris Balogun: With God I’m there already. We have six LCDAs that made up of Alimosho federal constituency. So, I will appoint a representative from each of this Local government that would act as bridge between me and the people. They will be seen as a tool for feedback mechanism. There will be quarterly meetings with the people to know what they want how the constituency allowance would be used.
AlimoshoTv: You seems bit free now with people,if elected will you still be as free as this?
Idris Balogun:I will. Our representatives in the past and now have been making representations as if it is meant for few privileged . Our leaders do not want an independent minded- person to represent us but rather someone they can control. Mine won’t be a cabal representation but one that would be for the youth.
AlimoshoTv : Thanks for your time.
Idris Balogun: You are welcome!
