By Mohammed Abdussalam
I am carefully following the rising debate on the resignation letter of a legislative aide to Senator Saliu Mustapha flying around recently.
The former aide, Jamiu Abdulmumeen Okolo from Alapa Onire Odegiwa Ward in Asa, made some strong accusations in his resignation letter.
While all of these claims could be taken to be politically motivated, one of them was particularly nerve-wracking. Jamiu claimed that he had only received the paltry sum of N100,000 as salary/allowances in 17 months.
Almost a week after the allegations, Senator Saliu Mustapha Office has not come out to deny or explain the issues raised.
But this is not a matter that can be buried.
It would actually be a very bad thing.
It would highlight the tendency of the rich political class to assemble and use people for political purposes without proper and adequate remuneration.
It would also expose the deception of Senator Saliu Mustapha, who said he was coming to do things differently. Although he has failed to live up to the billing of that heavy mantra on business of lawmaking and representation for Kwara Central so far, one is hoping he will at least be decent and honest to his political followers.
I would find it hard to stomach that the man who throws around millions of naira to court fellow big men defaults in salary payments to his aides. Is it because they are ‘small men’ that can be cheated?
The crux of the matter is beyond politics. It is about justice, fairness, and the value of compassion in our society. Whereas Jamiu could speak up, only God knows what hundred of others are facing and smiling. This matter demands critical attention so that other young people can get their deserving remuneration from another oligarch who may be planning on using and dumpling them.
It will be shocking if our community let this go unchallenged. That some people are looking away from it reflects the ills and hypocrisy of our society. The stakeholders and the media need to inquire into this matter to get the Office of Senator Saliu Mustapha to take the right action.
Why is Saliu not paying them? Which of his aides is in charge? Is it true that the funds could have been embezzled by one of them?
We cannot wait till another young person commits crime before we begin to trade blame and look for solutions. Justice and fairness is the foundation to peace and unity.
If we might have made the mistake of electing a man of questionable wealth, character, and competence into office, we must not lack the courage to demand of him the right actions to save our values and prestige: This is not who we are. This reformation is what every Ilorin son and daughter owns the next generation.