Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele speaks about her life, politics and other related matters
What have you been up to lately?
I’ve been actively involved with my party, the Peoples Democratic Party. This is in addition to running my own business which is property development. My family has always been into properties; at least on my mother’s side and therefore, that is what I think we know how to do best.
You studied Law in England, what stirred your interest in the legal profession?
I realised that Law is a broad subject that will give me access to other aspects of life. Not only that, my grandfather was a lawyer. Although he died before I was born, my mother always encouraged me to emulate him.
I came back to Nigeria in 1963 and I didn’t practise as a lawyer. Instead, I opted for broadcasting because I worked freelance journalist for the British Broadcasting Corporation.
Tell us about your time at the BBC and the Voice of Nigeria?
I was initially with the BBC West Africa Service before I was later recruited for the Voice of Nigeria by Sunday Young-Harry, because they were going to start VON at that time and they were looking for announcers. That was how I went into broadcasting. I enjoyed it because it was a good opportunity for me. We were talking to the world and that fascinated me. People let us into their lives and it broadened one’s horizon.
At what point did you go into mainstream politics?
It was not until much later in life because when I got married, I had my children and I waited for them to grow up; at least for them to be in the university before I decided to go into politics. Although, my father who was a politician, had been urging me to go into politics long before then. I felt that I had to be with my children during the holidays and being a politician would leave me with little or no time for my children. My father felt that more women should go into politics.
Do you still share his sentiments?
We still don’t have enough women in politics. It is really a shame because there are various constraints and one of them is finance because let’s face it, one would need money to be able to compete with men in politics and be able to campaign. Also, a lot of women are frightened because of the violence that is often associated with politics. Nonetheless, we need more women in politics because the female gender constitutes about 50 per cent of the population. So, 50 per cent of the people in the House of Representatives, state assemblies and Senate, should be women. I think that one of the problems in Nigeria at the moment is that feminine voice is not there and that is why we have so much corruption. Male chauvinism has also affected the emergence of women in politics.
You served as a deputy governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2002. What were the highlights of your tenure?
The highlight was that my party, the Alliance for Democracy, won in all the six states in the South-West. Sadly, I wasn’t really allowed to bring in much to the table, even though I had a lot that I wanted to bring to the table. That was the situation.
Were you impeached?
I don’t agree with that at all; there were all sorts of false allegations made against me, which I replied to before I resigned. It was a concerted effort to disparage my person, ruin my reputation and soil my family name. When my family saw that this was an attempt to clearly cast a slur on the family name, I was asked to resign but I had replied to all the allegations before I resigned.
How would you describe your personality?
I am a mother and I try to be a good one. I think that I am a compassionate person and I feel very much for those who are regarded as the less-privileged in the society so, I pay peoples’ school fees, medical expenses and in fact, I hope to set up an NGO to cater and provide skills for the physically challenged.
What are some of the things that you remember from your childhood?
I remember that there was a lot of discipline in my family. Although we were quite well-off, we were not allowed to be lazy or feel that there were things that we could not do so, we cleaned the house, learnt to cook and sew and I still do all these things up till today.
What are some of the memorable times you had with your parents?
There were so many memorable moments but the one that I loved best was going to the seaside with my parents and I still love going to the seaside.
Have you learnt some lessons about life as you grow older and how much of an impact has it had on your life?
Yes, I have. First of all, I think a firm belief in God is one of the valuable lessons that life has taught me. No matter what happens, if you have faith in God, you will always come out on top. My father advised me to go into politics and as a woman, I should try and make a positive impact and achieve things differently. I am very fulfilled as a politician and I am still trying to make a difference in the political sphere.
Who are your role models and mentors?
My main role model was my late aunt; Mrs. Abimbola Awoliyi; she was the first female doctor in West Africa and I think she was my main role model. She was a very tough woman but very compassionate, kind and generous. Those are the attributes that I picked up from her.
What are some the things that you do during your leisure time?
In my spare time, I read. At the moment, I am reading a book on the immediate past President of the United States, Barrack Obama. I also like listening to music and of course, I like going to the seaside. When you are by the sea, you are with nature and you are able to realise the wonders of nature and the wonderful world that God has put us in. It is also something that refreshes the soul; just to be able to take in the fresh air, see the waves and the fisherman casting their nets and bringing out fishes. You’d also see some of the children who play by the seaside. That’s very refreshing.
As a politician, do you believe that Nigeria should have part-time legislators?
I am not sure full-time legislation is working for us now in Nigeria because when I was in the senate, it was always a full house but when I look at the television now, the place is three-quarters empty and therefore, one begins to wonder if it is really worth it to have full-time legislators because what they are doing right now from what I can see is all part-time in a subtle way.
What are some of the lasting legacies that you would want to leave in politics?
I hope that I would be remembered as one of the people who fought for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria, as a member of the National Democratic Coalition .When you look at our history, it was all military system of government until we stood up and I think it made a difference.
You will be 78 in April, how fulfilled are you?
I am fulfilled but not so fulfilled because I think there are still many things that I’d love to do such as actualising my dream of being able to help the physically-challenged for instance.
Has any of your children gone into politics??
They all hate politics and I cannot blame them. I guess it’s probably because of the terrain and they feel that I don’t really have enough time for myself.
What informs what you wear?
I want to be comfortable in whatever I wear and I also want to look good.
What are your likes and turn-offs?
I hate lies and dishonesty. Those are a few things that I detest in my life. Naturally, I like honesty and generous people. I also like people who show love to others.
What advice would you give to women who want to go into politics?
I’d say to them, join a political party and if possible, try to find a mentor; another female who has been through it before you who can give you advice. Don’t succumb to any man who makes sexual advances at you. In fairness, I have never had anybody making improper advances to me.
As a former deputy governor of Lagos State, what is your assessment of the Akinwunmi Ambode administration?
One thing that I know about the Akinwunmi Ambode administration is that the governor was still in service while I was deputy governor and what has made all the difference about him is that he was in the system before. Therefore, he’s been able to learn a lot from his predecessors on account of that.
What is the difference between Lagos of yesteryears and that of today??
Lagos Island, in those days; especially in the 60s was a very tight and neat community. Everybody knew everybody. It was a safe and friendly place, it was a place where you loved to be because the people there loved to have fun and there was always that communal spirit such that people knew and depended on one another. My family house is on Lagos Island. The area has changed and it is now a mess and I hope that the governor will start thinking about urban renewal because Lagos Island really needs that.
What are your thoughts on the Buhari-led administration?
I don’t want to comment on the Buhari-led administration because I am not sure of what they (government functionaries) are doing. There seems to be a lot of chaos around the administration. Right now, we don’t even know the (health) situation of our President and they are not telling us the truth in many things so, I just cannot comment on this administration. I wish they’d be more honest with Nigerians.
What are tips needed to succeed in life?
It is simple-hard work, honesty and faith in God. I have a group called Kofo Bucknor-Akerele and our motto is “Forward ever, backward never.” The group started as my political campaign organisation and now, it is in the process of becoming a foundation. The objective is to serve humanity and give back in my own little way.
Copyright PUNCH.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: editor@punchng.com
from Punch Newspapers http://ift.tt/2nr3wU4
via IFTTT
No comments:
Post a Comment