A socio-political group, Oyo Must Be Good (OMBG), has fired Hon. Akin Alabi to stop misleading the public in his bid to seek support for his assumed controversial third-term campaign.
In a press release signed by the group Coordinator, Oyebamiji Sikiru, the group criticized Hon. Alabi's stance on the reconstruction of the Paara Bridge, noting that while the reconstruction for the project was long overdue, the responsibility should lie with the Ona-Ara Local Government Chairman. But due to the inefficiencies of local government administration, the bridge is abandoned and unattended to.
Oyebamiji said, "It is commendable that Hon. Akin Alabi, the representative for Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, has facilitated the reconstruction of the bridge for the benefit of his constituents. Kudos to him for that."
Oyebamiji continued, "we take issue with a misleading comment attributed to Hon. Alabi as quoted by his media aide that: 'There are more benefits to having ranking members in the National Assembly than newcomers.' We strongly disagree with this. He cannot use such trivial arguments to gain unfair support for his assumed third-term campaign. If that's the way to go, I don't know why he contested against the incumbent back then in 2019. He should have allowed him having easy ride at the poll to enjoy the privilege of ranking."
The group further argued that the concept of "ranking" in the National Assembly is often used to manipulate public perception at the local constituency. As a lawmaker, you have to earn the rank through your good work at home, and not deceitfully demanding it.
"Perhaps Hon. Alabi and his aides are unaware that 'ranking' is just a term used at the National Assembly and not a yardstick to election matters at local levels." Oyebamiji remarked.
"Hon. Akin Alabi is currently serving his second term, and the public is well aware of how unimpressive his first term was. His re-election was largely due to the political wave caused by President Bola Tinubu. If his woeful performance continues, he will undoubtedly face the consequences during his party primaries and/or general elections."
The group also highlighted the accomplishments of other first-term lawmakers. "Like Hon. (Engr.) Remi Oseni, representing Ido/Ibarapa Federal Constituency, has outperformed Hon. Alabi in his short time in office. Similarly, Hon. (Dr.) Adebayo Adepoju of Ibarapa East/Central Federal Constituency recently facilitated the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Igboora, while Hon. Alabi, a 'ranking member campaigner' is only now presenting a bill on the matter for Ona-Ara."
"If we examine the achievements of many first-term lawmakers presently, it becomes clear that success in the National Assembly is not solely about ranking as been deceptively campaign for but about versatility, articulate, and bipartisan in the pursuit of national development."
The group concluded by urging Hon. Alabi to stop using his 'ranking member' antics as a tool to unfairly garner support from the constituents he has not been fair to.
"It is embarrassing that a two-term lawmaker is unable to rely on his past achievements to seek support for his current aspirations." Oyebamiji stated.
