Let us begin with a straightforward question: Has President Bola Ahmed Tinubu fulfilled his promise to pay the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE/WAEC) fees for every Nigerian child if elected President?
In January 2022, while seeking support for his presidential ambition, Tinubu publicly promised that his administration would pay the WAEC registration fees of every Nigerian child, regardless of their parents' financial circumstances.
Addressing a gathering of APC women, he declared: “Your children's West African examination fees will be paid by us, so that no one, no matter how poor, will be left behind.”
That was a promise made to Nigerians. Today, however, the question of its fulfilment deserves serious public scrutiny.
A particularly disturbing example emerged this afternoon while I was watching Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi's interview on Gbagede Oselu, broadcast on BCOS, Ile-Akede, Bashorun, Ibadan.
A woman who called in from Ona-Ara, Ibadan, narrated her difficulties in raising money for her child's WAEC registration. She also appealed for assistance for persons living with disabilities and explained that repeated efforts to reach her Federal Constituency representative, Hon. Akin Alabi, had proved unsuccessful.
Honestly, I nearly cried.
It was heartbreaking to watch a mother break down on television because she could not afford her son's examination registration fees while also struggling with the challenges associated with disability.
Naturally, one question came to mind: What exactly is the responsibility of Hon. Akin Alabi, the elected representative of Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency?
Interestingly, Bimbo Adekanmbi immediately responded by pledging to pay the child's WAEC registration fees and provide financial assistance for preparatory lessons. He further promised that if the child performed well in the examination, he would sponsor his university education at whichever institution the child chose.
Wow! What a remarkable intervention!
This is precisely what public representation should mean: listening to ordinary people, identifying their challenges and responding with practical solutions.
I have repeatedly encountered complaints from APC members within Egbeda/Ona-Ara who question Akin Alabi's performance and relationship with his constituents. This incident will undoubtedly intensify that conversation.
To be fair, publicly available reports show that Alabi previously facilitated examination-fee payments for 200 NECO/GCE candidates in 2023 and announced other educational and infrastructural interventions. Reports also document road construction, classroom renovation and solar streetlight projects in the constituency.
However, previous interventions cannot exempt an elected representative from continued accountability. Constituents deserve consistent accessibility, responsiveness and measurable results.
My concern also extends to his political conduct. Akin Alabi was among the Oyo APC figures I criticised for their attacks against Osun APC leaders over the party's internal political disagreements, particularly the controversy surrounding Governor Ademola Adeleke's political alignment.
While his political energy appeared available for party disputes outside Oyo State, questions about his responsiveness to the everyday challenges of his own constituents remained.
What exactly is the priority?
Beyond that, there are growing political implications. I believe his perceived nonchalance has contributed to dissatisfaction among some APC supporters in the constituency and created opportunities for opposition parties, particularly the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), to gain political ground in Ona-Ara.
We must also remember that Hon. Abimbola Adekanmbi is a bona fide son of Ona-Ara, with political interests and connections within the community.
I sincerely commend Bimbo Adekanmbi of the APM for demonstrating a willingness to listen and provide immediate assistance when an ordinary citizen needed help.
Meanwhile, the woman had to appear on television to appeal for assistance from someone who represents her constituency in the National Assembly.
Perhaps this is the difference between political representation on paper and representation that people can actually feel.
Thank you, Bimbo Adekanmbi, for giving this family a reason to smile.
I congratulate the caller and her family, and I sincerely hope the child excels in the forthcoming examination and eventually secures the university education that has now been promised.
Public office is not an ornament. It is a responsibility. Constituents deserve more than political appearances, titles and promises.
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