Mr. Gboyega Isiaka was the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) governorship candidate in Ogun State during the last general elections. He was at the just concluded special dialogue by the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation in Ikenne-Remo. In this interview with Dare Adekanmbi,  he speaks on the economic situation of the nation, politics and other issues. Excerpts:

Nigeria has been described as a failed nation. Do you support that view?
It is quite unfortunate. Before this time, I had thought it was being exaggerated. But quite honestly and from what I have been able to make of the statistics that have been rolled out, I think we need to begin to face the reality. Even if we are not a failed state, I think we are getting close to it. And I think we need to begin to do something. May be the Federal Government has also realised that and that is why it has come up with the term transformation. We need to do a lot of things to address the whole gamut of problems facing us.

Like what and what do you think the leadership needs to do to reverse the dangerous tread along the path of failure?
First, I think the leadership should let the people know the reality that is staring us in the face. Chief Olu Falae described a situation where the Nigerian Customs Service, which is saddled with the task of collecting revenue and even the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) refuse to remit the revenue into government coffers because they could not get their salaries. Again, about 75 per cent of our revenue going into recurrent expenditure are not enough for investment, with our debt going up without government being able to address debt financing, insecurity and so many others, we need to start to solve these problems quickly. If not, anything, and I mean anything, can actually happen in this country.

Are you making reference to the threat posed by the Boko Haram sect?
It is all part of it. If you look at some of the things that were said in the lectures and you look at the level of unemployment in the country, then you will see where Boko Haram is coming from in terms of the level of joblessness in the North. I am not making a case for people throwing bombs everywhere. But the fact of the matter is that when people have energies and they do not have where to use them, they will use them for whatever is available and I think that is what is happening. All these things are intertwined, which was why I said we need to tackle these challenges.

I think we need to let a lot of people be aware of the important things said in this dialogue. I also feel that when we see the reality, even the people will get serious about governance. Until we begin to see a lot of people that get serious about governance, we will not get anywhere. The things we are likely to face are possibles; they are not things that are impossible. Look at what we used to have in terms of power and what we have now. And yet, we spend 75 per cent of our revenue to service government (about a million people, if those in governments are up to that), out of a population of about 140 million. Where does this leave us?

As a politician, do you foresee the likelihood of Awo’s reincarnation in today’s political class?
Well, it is not impossible. A nation gets the kind of leadership it deserves. I think the followers also have a lot to do. If we begin to play the kind of politics of naira and kobo, where everything is tied to what is on the table, then it means that it is only the people that have the wherewithal that can get to power.

And when they get there, what do we get out of it?
The people must sit down and make up their mind if they really want a reincarnation of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. But when everything is tied to who had the funds, it will be difficult. This is because those who have the mind to turn things around might not have the chance to get near the corridors of power.

As a participant in this two-day dialogue, would you say you are fired by the zeal to bring about a change in your own little way?
I am more than fired. I think that this programme should be repeated on a larger scale so that a lot of people can benefit from the kind of revelations that come out from this kind of lecture. It is the kind of eminent speakers that addressed us in the lectures that will make the people to get aware of the reality of the challenges that confront us as a nation. You don’t imagine that this kind of lecture will be organised by government and the kind of revelations made here would be said.

Perhaps, some of the papers delivered here should be presented to the federal cabinet and legislature for consideration. Our leaders need to be told the parameters for classifying a nation as a failed state vis a vis the parameters in our nations. So, let people now make up their mind. This is not about politics. When we begin to have statistics that categorise us as war-ravaged country, it is dangerous.

You appear to have sympathy for the youth. In view of what happened to some corps members in some states recently, people have clamoured for the need to allow corps members serve in their states. Are you in support?
I don’t think so. It is unfortunate. I don’t believe they should serve in their states because I also benefitted from the scheme. I served in Plateau State and till today, apart from Lagos and Ogun States, the largest group of friends I have is in that state. I cannot get to Plateau State anytime and I won’t get a door to knock to pass the night.

I think we still need the National Youth Service Corps. It is the problems that we should solve.

Politically, what is your next move?
I have not given that a thought. Like I told someone recently, we are all political animals and we all must be part of this enterprise called Nigeria. We have to do it in all forms and shapes. In terms of elective office, I have not given that a thought at all at this point.

How has life been after the loss of the April governorship election in Ogun?
Interesting. Fine. That is why I have time for personal things.

Any regret?
No. None at all in any form.