Hakeem Bello is a big brand name in People’s Democracy Party (PDP) before he defected to All Progressives’ Congress (APC) immediately after he became a member of the House of Assembly, Representing Amuwo Odofin Constituency II. Hakeem Bello, who also is a businessman and has been into politics since 1997, when he first aspired for the post, but didn’t win.
In the 2015 election, he still came in as the PDP’s candidate, who won the election. Later, he defected to APC. When Nife Kazeem’s City People Reporter, visited him in his state office, Lagos State House of Assembly Alausa Complex Ikeja, he explained why he left PDP for APC and spoke on his new expection.
Can we meet you?
Well, I still remain Hakeem Bello, a member, House of Assembly, representing Amuwo Odofin Constituency II.
Which party do you represent?
People’s Democracy Party (PDP).
So you’re a member of People’s Democracy Party?
That was then, I have defected to All Progressives Congress (APC) am now an APC member.
And don’t you think that your defection would affect you in the next election.
No the law says that, if there’s a crisis within your party, you can leave it choice. So, there’s no controversy here.
You mean there’s crisis in your former party?
Very obvious.
As a one time PDP member, what can you say to the controversy within the party.
Well, I can’t say anything because I am no more a member of the party.
Now, do you have plan on contesting the next coming election?
Of course, I will be contesting for a seat in the House of Representative in my same constituency.
Don’t you think this as a one time (PDP) member is going to adversely affect you.
I don’t think so, it is all about your personality, who you are and how well you’re loved and accepted by your people.
What and what have you done for your constituency since you came into the administration?
Many, but a few will be mentioned Boreholes, which have solved the major problem of water scarcity. Besides, there were empowerment projects that I have executed; healthcare services for the people and provision of financial assistance to widows and many more, and I am still planning something for them this season.
So is there any problem within the House of Assembly?
Not at all, the House is so peaceful and our speaker has been a great man, wonderful, so kind to all, who does not play with his job, ready to listen to every member, very knowledgeable and the youngest speaker in Nigeria.
What can you say about President Buhari administration?
My president is working and he always follows up on all projects, this is a new government in which miracle can’t just happen in a day, it takes a gradual process to complete a project.
What other things do you do aside being in a politics?
I have my business. I am the sole owner of Marine Assurance, I have been doing the business before coming into politics.
And you are sure it is not affecting your political career?
No! I have people there working for me, even in my absence.
Are you married?
Yes. Happily married and bless with two kids.
Can you tell us about your upbringing and where you were born?
Wow! I was a very stubborn kid, and has been in the stress from the age of 11years.
I was born in Lagos, Ajegunle Onikere, very close to Kirikiri town, I attended L.A Primary School, Kirikiri town, Amuwo Odofin Secondary School, Mile 2. Federal University of Technology.
What are you doing in politics then?
I just love politics right from time, I believe I can do something for my people.
Did you find it difficult to getting to where you are today?
I am thankful to God always, it was so smooth at the end, but it was very rough and difficult at the beginning, I could remember when I was contesting for Councillorship way back, two days to the election day, there were challenges not because I was not the best candidate. I just blessed God for what he has done so far.
Where are you from?
Ogun-State, Ijebu Mushin.
