May 26, (THEWILL)- Ahead of May 29, another opportunity for Nigerians to count the gains of democracy, politician, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Fateema Aduke Mohammed Ogunkoya, also known as FAMO, speaks with IVORY UKONU about her thoughts on the Nigeria of her dreams and why women should get more involved in politics. Excerpts:
What is your opinion on governance in Nigeria today?
Governance is beyond being good, it is beyond being dictatorial. Governance in today’s democracy is about sitting down, rubbing minds, coming to agreement and making effective, electoral promises.
What kind of leadership do you advocate for Nigeria?
A government of inclusiveness, not dictatorial, like I said, and not self-centred.
You have been in politics for a long time now. Would you say your childhood prepared you for a life of politics?
No, not really. My father is a military officer, while my mother is a businesswoman from Delta State. I grew up in the barracks. My mother was very strict with her style of upbringing, ensuring I was prim and proper. My mother was quite stern and I took after her with the way I handle my children. I think it is better to be difficult in order to straighten your children, especially if you have a partner that is very soft.
As a politician have there been times you felt that being a man would have made things much easier for you?
In Yoruba they call me ‘Obinrin bi Okunrin’, meaning a woman that is like a man. I am not limited by my gender. I am not someone you can easily trample on. I am a woman who knows what she is about, what she represents and what she has inside of her. They say female politicians sleep around. I am not of that school of thought. Why would I sleep with you for gratification of what you actually need from me? The Bible says that “a man’s gifts and callings maketh a way for him.” So, the moment you know what your gift and strong point are, then it will make a way for you. A Johnson-Sirleaf had a dream like me and got into politics like me. She eventually became president of her country. So what stops me as a woman from being president if I want to? It’s not about being over ambitious, but knowing my capabilities, knowing that I can make a difference and knowing that I am a change agent.
Although more women are now getting into politics, the ratio to men is still a far cry. What advice would you give to women who are interested in politics but are put off by how it is played?
The only advice I have for them is to stop, not liking how it is being done. Stop complaining about it or the players. Come on board and show them how it is done. I really don’t know what the fear is all about. Every profession has its risks, but you can’t say because there are air crashes, there should be no more pilots or because people die in hospitals, there should be no more doctors. I suffered a setback in 2015. I was shot during a campaign rally. I nearly lost my life, but it didn’t deter me from continuing with politics. I know there are cultural and religious inhibitions and that is why the first thing I started doing was to create awareness to change the mentality of women. I look forward to a time when we will have 10 female governors. It is doable.
Money plays a huge role in politics and most women do not have the kind of money male politicians play around with
I agree that money is an integral part of politics. But you don’t have to have large chunks of money stashed somewhere. You can have goodwill. During one of those electoral cycles where I was on the ticket for a House of Representative seat to represent the Ifako/Ijaye Federal Constituency, I didn’t have so much money. I barely had N2 million in my account, but by the time the election ended, I didn’t spend more than N100. It all came from goodwill. So, as a woman, be bold and assertive. Let them see that you know your onions and you will find men who will willingly support you. However, do not let anyone help out and end up dictating the pace for you.
I was told by several people who promised me the ticket on the condition that they will dictate how I do my job. I simply told them to hold on to their ticket. Many of the political leaders were very uncomfortable with me, they said I was too full of myself because I wasn’t making the rounds, paying obeisance to them. They told me face to face that they will see how I will win the elections. These ‘dealers’ as I like to call them don’t leave their homes on the day of election after collecting so much money. I didn’t mind them; I concentrated on the electorate because they were the ones who voted for me anyway. They were surprised I even won the primaries.
As long as you know what you are doing as a woman, you don’t really need anyone to tell you what to do. I am not against ‘godfatherism’, but I won’t have a godfather that will sit on my neck. If you believe in me and want to support me, fine. But do not tell me how to run what I am doing because my allegiance first and foremost is to the electorate and on how to give them a better lease of life, not how to siphon funds back to a godfather.
What drives you?
The craving for success. I don’t give up easily, even if I am the only man standing
What is it about your experience that has shaped you to be who you are today?
I went through hell of being misrepresented. People would just look at me and jump to conclusions. They assume I sleep around because of what I do. It used to bother me, but today I am hardly bothered about anything that is said about me because most of them are untrue anyway I know who I am.
What does it take to stand out in a male dominated area of life?
Know your God as that is what will make you stand strong in the time of trials and tribulations. Once you know that the God that is inside you is bigger than everything, then nothing will confront you and make you sacred.
How do you balance your role as a mother, wife and politician?
I began politics when my children were quite young. It was rough at the initial stage trying to juggle my role as a mother and as a politician. But today it is a lot easier as they are all grown-up.
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