Where is the voice of the so-called youths at the States Houses of Assembly in Nigeria today?
It is disheartening to see how young leaders like Abdulrasheed Kashamu, the son of a now-late alleged drug dealer and land grabber, who was elected at just 26 years old, have failed their constituents.
Elected to represent Ijebu North Constituency 1, Ogun State House of Assembly, he has done nothing more than giving out ridiculous cash gifts, sharing food on Salah days, and parading around in a convoy rivaling that of a state governor.
Some might argue that he had money before being elected, but who cares? However, that’s no excuse for ignoring the real needs of his people.
Despite being educated, Kashamu has continued the same old patterns that have kept education out of reach for many children. He flaunts luxury cars while refusing to build schools, hospitals, or push for good governance in Ogun State. Even if he lacks good advisers, he can’t be so blind to the hardships of the common man that he fails to stand in solidarity with the masses who cry out in hunger and anger protesting with the hashtag #endbadgovernance.
Leadership isn’t about showing off wealth; it’s about serving the people.
The amount of money spent on his convoy could fund a toddler’s nursery education. Each time he moves around, the costs of paying police, fueling those cars, and feeding his entourage are staggering.
Kashamu should be wary of the old men who welcome him home the same politicians, former local government chairmen, senators, and representatives who have ruined our past as Ijebu-Igbo indigenes, including his own father, a former senator.
These men, along with pastors and imams who only care about their own interests, cannot guide him towards what is most important in his community. They do not love the people, and it’s obvious. Abdulrasheed, stay away from these corrupt individuals who have no regard for the well-being of the people.
We, who did not come from similar backgrounds, will not stand by and let characters like these destroy our future. Do not be like the former Ijebu North local government chairman who was fraudulently declared a winner by former governor Ibikunle Amosun. Let your voice be heard for the people. Do not dance around with local government officials who care more about power than progress. Ensure that quality education is available for all children in your constituency. Sharing food is not bad, but how long will that sustain your people?
I saw another character during the 2023 elections, a known micro-finance fraudster, picked up a ticket for the same office you hold today. I was upset because it showed once again how our society celebrates successful criminals. This isn’t new, our fathers were known for drug pushing, and they were celebrated when they returned home. But we cannot continue their legacy.
They say you have money. But what the people of your constituency need is not your only wealth, but your knowledge, experience, and capacity to lead. Stop following the same failed steps that have brought our people nothing but misery.
This is a call for you, Abdulrasheed Kashamu, to break the cycle of failed leadership and truly serve the people of Ijebu North Constituency 1.
