Criticism is a critical component of the societal development. Any setting devoid of criticism is doomed and it funeral is certain. Criticism must however be healthy as it put one to check and balance. A genuine critic must have an unbiased sympathy to issues irrespective of whose ox is gored. If at this age we are still shying away from matters of academic discourse, held down by sentiments, then our education is a complete waste. This is the bases for this text.
There had been several calls, demands and of course attacks on the personality and the office of Hon. Alh. Lawal Idrisu, MHoR Ajaokuta Federal Constituency, from “certain” groups of different divide on the ground of non performance and gross misrepresentation. Personally, I accept that Alh. Lawal could do better than his current efforts. Come to his home, Ajaokuta village, the road project is still hanging, yet be completed. It is difficult for me to separate Hon. Lawal’s House of Rep office from that of his business interest. It is so difficult that when some projects are being carried out one could not say whether it is from Hon. Lawal HoR office or his company residing in Ajaokuta. Understanding the both is a topic for another time.
In the history of Ajaokuta politics, no political office holder has ever been dragged like Hon. Alh. Lawal. He’s so dragged that one could say he is the only political office holder in Ajaokuta LGA. During the time of PDP, when job opportunities and projects were so easy to secure, Hon. Bar. Muhammad Sadiq was in the HoR, everyone knows that he was a monumental and thunderous disappoinment. Eight years was wasted without apology. Nobody especially from the critics ever said something.
Moreso, in this present government led by the APC at all levels, aside Lawal, Ajaokuta has a lot of super political office holders at all the levels. Why is Alh. Lawal singled out for all the attacks so far. As is today, we have a super Commissioner, super Special Adviser, a super super House of Assembly member and so many others. I ask again why should it be Lawal alone.
When Hon. Alh. A.T. Baba was representing Ajaokuta at the State House of Assembly between 2003 – 2007, he influenced a lot of projects. During this time he got Ajaokuta Village electricity project completed and connected to the national grid, all the places that where not affected by the government budget plan was covered from his own personal income. When Emiworo was to be connected to the national grid, The Bassa Kwom community was left out do to some issues, the Bassa Kwom community met him and he personally bought all that was needed to connect them to the national grid. Along the line, those in charge of the project decided to extend the project to their community so there was no need to use those materials already provided, the community came back and ask on what they should do with the materials, he told them to keep the materials for anything they wish to do with them. That community is still loyal to the former Honourable member. A lot of classroom blocks were built in Onyokum, Ajaokuta village, Ohunene and others. After connecting Ajaokuta to the National grid, he personally took the PHCN men with him to survey Eganyi line through Inneyere and came out at Itapke if I could recall. Shortly before he could realized that, our Leader Hon. Chief Moses Ado Okino got it connected. I have no much time to say all he has achieved during his stay in the state Assembly. Remember he was just an ordinary member and not a principal officer of the house. We will dedicate more time for it another day.
Further more, today we are blessed with our brother being the Governor of the state. We also have our brother Hon. Abdullahi Bello (aka) Chopnukkle as the Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, a position more influential than the Deputy Speaker. He has the same mandate given to Lawal as were both elected, but nobody is calling upon him for stewardship even after five years. Whereas, what is good for the goose is also good for the gander. The question again is why Lawal only and why not also Chopnukkle?? I am leaving readers with conscience to ponder on this question and satisfied themselves by searching for answers.
Finally, there are more challenging issues under our nose that we are shying away from. Thanks to God our brother GYB returned as the Governor. Those trying by all means to bring Alh. Lawal down should channel there efforts towards encouraging our big brothers on the need to complete the General Hospital project, Eganyi bypass road, Upkake – Ogodo road, Ajaokuta Ohunene road, Geregu village road and lots more to mention.
You have made alot of calls and attack on Alh. Lawal and he’s not responding, you should put same efforts to call or attack on Chopnukkle perhaps he will respond and that may better Ajaokuta as we have wished.