Dr. Olukayode Ajulo is the National Secretary of the Labour Party, LP. In this interview, he describes last week’s commotion that engulfed the House of Representatives as a shameful act.
He also speaks on the role of LP as an opposition party and Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s emergence as chairman of the Peoples Demcoratic Party, PDP, Governors’ Forum. Excerpts:
What do you make of last week’s commotion in the House of Representatives?
It is shameful. When you talk of party supremacy, there should be a divide. There should be a line where party supremacy should be drawn. Party supremacy should not be taken to the floor of the House. The APC should know that they are not the only ones in the House. The PDP has members, APGA has members. Anyway, this is the first time they got the victory and it is getting to their heads.
They (APC) seem to have an exaggerated opinion of their importance in the National Assembly. Imagine the PDP writing to the Senate President on who should emerge as principal officers, that can be discussed at the party caucus level.
How would you rate the Buhari administration so far?
I know you are aware by now that President Buhari was not our candidate at the Labour Party. However, as true patriots and stakeholders in the democratic process, I hold that the season of politicking is over and the season of policies and policing has commenced. So, I would say it is too early to rate him.
But he started on a slow pace and he has no time for honeymoon.
Nigerians are waiting for the miracles APC promised and it is not his to now after the election to advice us not to expect the miracles again.
President Buhari, in his inaugural address and subsequent speeches, stressed that the job of rebuilding Nigeria is not his alone. What is your take on it?

The House of Reps in commotion
I call him to walk the talk by inviting all leaders of the four major political parties who have members who were elected into offices for consultations and cooperation on how to navigate the stormy waters in which the nation is presently anchored, the turn out of events leading to the emergence of Senator Bukola Saraki and Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara is a clear indication that APC cannot do it all alone.
Your party is perceived to be an appendage of the PDP, what does the LP stand for?
We have a watchdog duty to perform as Buhari administration undertakes the business of governance, it is my sincere desire that President Buhari succeeds in the task given to him because it goes without saying that a success for his administration is a success for all Nigerians, and for Nigeria herself.
There have been rumours that smaller parties like LP may merge with the PDP ahead of the next general elections. What is your take on this?
You know, I find it laughable that some people would try to classify Labour Party as a “small” party. It is not only just laughable; it is very erroneous.
The rumour of an impending merger was started by mischievous persons who were unsure about the fate of the PDP in the wake of their loss at the polls. A merger with the PDP?
We have addressed this rumour before, and I now say it again: the Labour Party has no intention of merging with any other party. We are confident about our identity as the foremost opposition party in Nigeria, and our purpose to offer credible and constructive criticism to the new administration.
How do you see Dr Segun Mimiko’s emergence as chairman of the PDP Governor’s Forum?
From a neutral standpoint, I think it is a good development for the governor and for the people of Ondo State. Whatever brings glory to the people of Ondo State is always a welcome development.
What is your take on the inability of some states to pay workers salaries?
The situation is unfortunate, it is unexplainable and I am more particular in what’s happening in Osun State imagine owing workers up to 8 months salaries and going to 9 months while some are owed 12 months pension, this is worrisome, its worst than Boko Haram insurgency.
The situation in Osun and Benue States call for declaration of state of Emergency. Federal Government should not shy away from taking over.
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