The Disappearance of Mekunuship in Kwara: A Betrayal of Trust?

 By Bashir Ashura

In the days leading up to the 2023 General Elections in Kwara State, the political landscape was awash with slogans that promised to champion the cause of the "mekunu" – the less privileged. The slogan "Ijoba mekunu, ore mekunu, alanu mekunu" became the clarion call of the politicians, positioning themselves as the voice of the poor and the downtrodden. The state, once known as the State of Harmony, was rebranded as the State of Mekunu, an emblem of the promise of a better life for the underprivileged. 

The politicians, who adopted and propagated these slogans, claimed to identify with the struggles of the mekunu. They promised to alleviate their sufferings and work towards their upliftment. However, the reality post-election has proven to be starkly different. The mekunu slogans have been discarded, and the promises made to the less privileged have seemingly been forgotten. The politicians who once claimed to be the "alanu mekunu" have vanished from the scene, leaving behind a disillusioned populace that trusted them with their votes. 

The state of the nation has deteriorated, and the mekunu are in dire need of the help that was promised to them. The economic hardships have been exacerbated, and social welfare is in a state of disarray. However, the politicians who pledged to serve the mekunu have retreated to the comfort of their positions, leaving the masses to fend for themselves. 

The Mekunuship, which was once a symbol of hope and change for the less privileged, has become a bitter reminder of unfulfilled promises and political betrayal. The politicians rode on the wave of mekunu solidarity to secure their positions, and it is disheartening to see them abandon the very cause they championed once they achieved their objectives. 

The people of Kwara State, especially those in Ilorin, have not failed to notice this disappointing turn of events. They have seen the politicians drop the mantle of mekunuship as soon as they secured their votes. This has led to a feeling of betrayal and disillusionment among the populace. 

The time has come for these politicians to uphold the promises they made during their campaigns. They must re-embrace the Mekunuship that they so readily adopted before the elections. The mekunu need the help that was promised to them more than ever. It is the responsibility of those who used the plight of the less privileged to secure their political positions to now work towards the upliftment of these very people. 

However, it is disheartening to witness politicians who, after winning elections, seem to go missing in action, neglecting their responsibilities towards the people who elected them. The self-proclaimed Mekunu politicians should not disappear after winning elections but instead should prioritize addressing the pressing challenges faced by their constituents in Kwara State.

The mandate given to you is a powerful tool that should not be taken for granted. The people who voted for you have placed their hopes and aspirations in your hands. Mekunu politicians must recognize the significance of this mandate and work diligently to fulfill the expectations of their people. They should consistently remind themselves that their role is not merely to enjoy the privileges of power but to serve the people selflessly.

Instead, you should use your positions to address the pressing challenges faced by kwarans, such as fuel scarcity, food insecurity, increasing insecurity, and money scarcity. By fulfilling this promises, practicing transparency and accountability, and remaining dedicated to their mandate, you can make a positive impact on the lives of the Mekunu people who voted for you. It is only through genuine commitment and responsible leadership that lasting change can be achieved.

The Mekunuship should not just be a political slogan used to secure votes. It should be an ongoing commitment to serve the less privileged and work towards their betterment. Politicians must remember that they have been elected to serve the people, and it is their duty to fulfill the promises they made to the electorate. The time has come for the politicians of Kwara State to prove that Mekunuship was not just a political gimmick, but a genuine commitment to the welfare of the mekunu.