Opatola Peter: SET TO REPOSITION WITH EXPERIENCE AS A MAJOR TOOL

With a smiling face and a calm mien most poker players would die for, Opatola Lex Peter shone bright like a thousand stars answering questions at the presidential debate organized by the society earning applause from admirers and pundits alike. But behind his young, boyish looks, he is an experienced mass communicator with working experience in some of Nigeria's leading media houses. Coupled with leadership experience gained from his time at Ibadan City Polytechnic, Peter no doubt brings robust ideas which could be harnessed to the gain of the society. In a brief conversation with the publicity committee of the Radiant Justice Chambers; Peter makes some revelations about himself and his ambition, as well as his opinion on other issues. Enjoy the excerpts 

JC: Can we meet you

Peter: I am Opatola Peter Ademola, born to Jacob and Theresa Opatola and native of Osun state. I am the 2nd child of 4. I have a degree in Mass Communication from Ibadan City Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo state. I have worked as reporter and journalist for Lagos Traffic Radio, Radio Nigeria and Lagos Daily Times. I am a blogger and a multiple award winning poet and writer. I currently have a book that is awaiting Publication.

JC: We understand you'll be vying for the position of the PLO and we'll like to know your reason for contesting for that position

Peter: I came into this faculty as a Jambite witnessing a wide chasm between the Jambites and Predites within the same class. An anomaly that if elected I want to correct in the incoming class with a host of programmes that will be released on the manifesto night.

JC: How well do you understand the job description of the PLO?

Peter: The P.L.O is basically a caretaker by necessity of the constitutional provisions of the L.S.S and is in charge of being the stabilizing factor for newly admitted freshmen into the Society and the faculty.

JC: How prepared are you for the demands of the post?

Peter: I believe I am well prepared for the demands of the position. I also believe that leaders are not born but made and as such, I will also learn on the job.

JC: The position of the PLO requires a lot of contact with people. How well do you relate with lecturers within and outside the faculty?

Peter: I have served as a Class rep during a programme at Ibadan Poly before coming into the L.S.S and I must say I have had good experience with lecturers which I will deploy fully to meet whatever needs the incoming fresher's might have

JC: What should LSS expect from you if you eventually get elected?

Peter: I have worked with a lot of people and I work well with people. The L.S.S should expect administrative synergy with chambers, associations, the society itself and even the union. Basically, I will adopt any strategy and befriend anyone as long as it will ensure an excellent administration.

JC: What advantage do you have over the other contestants for the position of the PLO?

Peter: I believe serving as the class coach, I have learnt to work under pressure, Ive developed my team and Ive developed with them. That and my relationship with men of substance within and outside the faculty will be an outstanding factor.

JC: As a prospective successor to the current PLO and a member of the Gentries, what do you perceive to be the most challenging aspects of a freshman's life in the faculty and how do you intend to tackle it?

Peter: Well, I think its the new exposure to freedom for most and the university system. The difficulty of combining social, academic, spiritual and in some cases, political life. I will guide them on these matters early so they can adjust duly.

JC: How would you rate the current administration in terms of performance and commitment to society?

Peter: I would say that I cannot rate them in percentage as that may not be accurate but subjectively speaking they have done well and things can be better.

JC: With less than a month left to proceed to the next level in IfeLaw, have your views of the society been altered in anyway?

Peter: Well, it has been a trying time for us as a society. The strike truncated some of our programmes, we have had internal battles among ourselves but that is the L.S.S for you and I will say my views have not been altered per se but developed.

JC: Moving away from LSS, What's your take on the FG's call to states to establish grazing colonies as a solution to the herdsmen's attack?

Peter: I believe that is similar to a trojan horse being brought in you know, like bringing in people who could at anytime kill us. We do not give land to farmers; we do not give forests to hunters or rivers to fishermen. We should not give grazing areas to herdsmen.

JC: What's your philosophy of life?

Peter: When I find something I am passionate about, I will and must give my all.

JC: Your mentor(s)?

Peter: I have a lot really. But I would say Fela Durotoye for the exigency at hand.

JC: Who is your best lecturer in the faculty?

Peter: So far, I haven't met them all so I cannot judge. But I have seen Professor Odunsi speak at the Fajuyi hall symposium and I think I would give that to him.

JC: Any hobbies?

Peter: My hobbies are writing, reading, learning new languages and singing.

JC: Organizations you belong to?

Peter: I belong to C.A.L.S.A.N and the debate committee