Source: The Guardian Nigeria 
Lagos East senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mrs. Olabisi Salis, in an interview with reporters during her campaign, spoke on her chances, PDP's prospect in Lagos and at the centre and the new 'unity' among women to give men a run for their money, among other issues. WOLE OYEBADE was there and reports 

YOUR first shot into politics is the Senate. Are you not quite ambitious?

Actually, I started my ambition in 2006, when my husband, Chief Owolabi Salis, contested for the governorship of Lagos State.

I had to resign my appointment with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and since then, I have been in politics in Lagos and helped so many people in the state.

I have empowered so many men and women, and would continue to help the poor regularly. I believe that the voice of the people must be heard. Our people are not adequately represented at the senate. We need to eradicate poverty, empower the women and ensure that their voice is heard in society.

I want to initiate and sponsor bills that would enhance the improvement of the people in my district and Nigeria as a whole.

Like politicians would always say, were you also called by the people to contest this election?

The call to run for the Lagos East senatorial seat is from the people; they want me to come and represent them.

When they looked at my performances amongst the poor, how I have been helping them to eradicate poverty, to pay school fees and take care of them, they called on me to represent their interest at the senate.

In my campaign so far, the reception has been very positive. People want a change in Lagos State. People have been telling us they want PDP in Lagos State. Most of their lands are being taken over in several areas. People are being maltreated, the okada (motorcycle) riders are complaining, the market women are complaining, they want the PDP in Lagos at all cost.

What are your chances of winning against a popular and incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate?

My chances of winning are very bright, looking at it from the feminine perspective. I know the incumbent senator is deep in pocket and has been there for four years, but that doesn't diminish my chances of winning. It would be like the story of David and Goliath in the Bible.

I believe that in this contest, I stand a better chance of winning. I am ready to go there to fight for the people, especially the poor. If you don't take care of the poor, the masses, your chances of winning any election is eroded.

He was given four years to perform and I don't see anything he has done, as people are complaining bitterly. Let them give me four years to perform and see what I can do. Women are better managers, and I believe I have a better chance.

Are you saying the restriction of okada (motorcycle) riders in would be lifted?

No, I am not saying that. I believe Governor Babatunde Fashola should have had a meeting with these people to tell them what is expected of them. It doesn't mean they should be harassing and killing okada riders. Unemployment is affecting them and they decided to look for a means of livelihood.

I am not saying we would return them; we would meet with them, tell them what is expected of them and restrict them to some locations. We should not just harass them or push them into robbery.

These are young people who want to work. We should encourage them by restricting them to certain areas and use better methods to talk to them.

How prepared is PDP to win Lagos State?

We are prepared to win the election; we are ready to battle it out. We want a positive change and the change starts from the electorate to vote for the right candidates, because the power is in the hands to choose whoever they want to represent them at the national and state assemblies.

So, we are ready for this election.

The President of Liberia recently said women are their own problems. Do you think the women would give you their support?

I think we are ready now; women are ready to support fellow women. We are not our own problems; we were marginalised and relegated to the background.

But now, we are ready because we believe a woman would understand a woman better. In most cases, when I go out to campaign, women troop out en-masse and support me more than men.

Women need to be represented in all the leadership positions in this country, so I believe we are not our problems anymore. Women usually support women more than men.

We are ready to ensure that the country is taken to a greater height.

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