Traditional rulers from Kwara South Senatorial District, in collaboration with the Kwara South Development Initiative, KSDI, have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the performance of lawmakers representing the zone in the National Assembly.
The criticism was voiced during a strategic consultation meeting with stakeholders held in Ilorin, the state capital, under the theme “Strategic Consultation of Kwara South Leaders: Reawakening the Giant.”
Speaking on behalf of other monarchs in the region, the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Alebiosu, accused the legislators of failing to make a meaningful impact on the lives of their constituents.
“Can anyone point to the achievements of any National Assembly member from Kwara South? They have failed to touch the lives of their people.
“If you invite them for religious or community development programmes, they will not attend. During the next elections, if they come with money, collect it, but vote for the best candidates,” the monarch urged.
Also addressing the gathering, the Convener of KSDI, Dr Johnson Adewumi, lamented what he described as decades of weak and ineffective representation.
“Since 1999, Kwara South has produced five senators and several members of the House of Representatives. Some even chaired committees in both chambers, yet the zone has nothing tangible to show for it. We cannot identify any major project of value in the entire district.
“This is unacceptable. While it may be difficult to change people, we can certainly change ourselves and demand better,” Adewumi said.
Echoing the concerns, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, pledged that the party would no longer tolerate non-performing candidates.
“Anybody without genuine intentions for Kwara will not occupy elective positions again. God will not allow it, and the APC will also conduct thorough vetting of aspirants before fielding them.
“I am confident the governor will not impose candidates on the people,” Fagbemi stated.
