Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo’s prolonged and conspicuous absence from Ondo State since his appointment as Nigeria’s Minister of Interior is an affront to the people of the State who are in dire need of infrastructural improvements, security interventions, and economic opportunities. As the representative of Ondo State in the Federal Executive Council (FEC), BTO’s indifference to the very state he is meant to champion is nothing short of a betrayal to his constituency.
With Ondo State consistently grappling with critical issues, it would seem natural that a Minister hailing from the state and entrusted with a pivotal portfolio like the Ministry of Interior would seize every opportunity to uplift his people. Yet, Tunji-Ojo appears to be either unwilling or unable to bring about tangible progress for Ondo State, despite his supposed influence within the Nigerian Presidency. His silence and physical absence from the state he is meant to advocate for signal a gross disregard for his responsibilities.
A Minister representing a state at the federal level has a dual responsibility: to serve the nation and, immeasurably, to ensure his immediate constituents’ needs are met. However, Hon. Tunji-Ojo’s failure to visit Ondo since assuming office conveys an alarming detachment. By failing to remain in touch with the realities on the ground, he is effectively turning his back on the very people whose welfare are entrusted to him. One would be hopeful that with his presence in Tinubu’s administration, federal influence would finally translate to development within Ondo. Yet, to date, not a single meaningful project has been facilitated by him in the state, an appalling record that speaks volumes about his priorities and a complete misalignment with the pressing needs of Ondo people.
By Wándé T. Àjàyí, Akure, Ondo State.
0 comments: