by Martin Alesinloye
In recent years, the clamour for youth representation has continued to gain prominence across various strata of political leadership. Many groups have been formed to lead this conversation but are the populace truly represented? This has made people assume that the real identity of a man can only be known when he is given power most especially political power. It is presumed that someone who seeks elective positions must be well-informed about the challenges of his constituents and must be willing to help them chart a course out of the issues. It is not yet Uhuru for the people of the Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa and Kajola Federal Constituency in the last three years.
Hon. Shina Peller, who was elected on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa and Kajola Federal constituency at the Federal House of Representatives is yet to deliver on his electoral promises since he got into office in 2019. When he presented himself as an ‘Omoluabi’, everyone assumed that he is the messiah that the constituency have been anticipating for so long, during the electioneering campaign as far back as 2018, when he was available to his constituents. He moving from locality to the other, crisscrossing all the hamlets, communities, and towns making promises, just to familiarize himself with them. Without mincing words, his philanthropic gimmick worked, people voted for him enmasse to represent the constituency at the Green Chamber, with many expectations from the Iseyin born politician.
Just like the Yoruba would call a particular deity as “o funni l’adie sin, gba odidi eran lowo eni”, the case is similar to that of Shina Peller, who used the crumbles that fell from his table to entice his constituents, now, he is lavishing on their entitlement. In the last 2 and half years, there is no major capital project to point at in any local government he is representing at the Green Chamber.
Sometimes in 2020, Ayobami Adesanmi wrote an article asking lawmaker about when his magic wand would become visible? Mr Olowo-Idan, to think that all the details your press secretary on your behalf enlisted in the rejoinder to the aforementioned article are the philanthropically acts you did to the people of the constituency before the 2019 general elections. Interestingly, we have seen the great deeds of Senator AbdulFatai Buhari representating Oyo North Federal Senatorial District but the good people of Kajola, Itesiwaju Iwajowa and Iseyin federal constituency have not enjoyed reasonable dividends of democracy through their Honourable in the Federal House of Representatives.
Eyes could see, ears could hear of what other lawmakers are doing in their constituency and we have no choice but to ask questions. It should not be a big deal to see our Honourable rehabilitate the road network within his consistency; this alone will almost give him an automatic ticket to the Green Chambers once more but all that we have been hearing from the grapevine is that the honourable is aiming for the Senate and the Gubernatorial seat in the nearest future.
What your constituents need is not the Peace Tour or the Progressive Youth Festival that you’ve decided to embark on. Beyond the Youth O’clock Campaign across many states namely Ondo, Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti and Kwara; your constituents need to savour your impact across the various local governments that make up the constituency. As the Yoruba saying goes, “Ile la a ti keso rode!”
If the youths really want to take up the political roles, they need to convince the electorate of their readiness to serve the people genuinely and not make it a means to an end for themselves and their families. The good people of your constituency are anxiously waiting for your impact. It is not totally too late to trace your steps back and treat your people right by extending the dividends of democracy they deserved to them.
Even though constitutional responsibility calls for legislation, we would like to know the motions during plenary sessions that would positively impact on the constituency as a whole. It is very important to add that beyond your hometown, Iseyin, no other town has felt your presence in the hallowed chambers. All of these would be needed to speak for you at the impending elections. It would be nice for you to have a rethink of what your people will remember you for, what legacy do you plan to leave behind.
It will be nice to know if Honourable Shina Peller is truly representing, Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa and Kajola Federal Constituency or you’re representing yourself, family and friends? Let us know our fate as your constituents?
Martin Alesinloye hails from Iganna, Oyo State
This is credible talk and I want people of kajola, iseyin itesiwaju iwajowa to rethink and realise their potential. We should know our right as a citizen. Let’s forget about parties either PDP or APC. Our main priority should be how to develop our community and move forward.
We shouldn’t allow someone to deceive us with money and sweet word.