By Bilesanmi Abayomi
A new wave of political debate has erupted in Southern Nigeria following a public announcement by Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, Member Representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State, about securing federal employment opportunities for his constituents.
Hon. Jibrin, popularly known as Jarman Bebeji, revealed that five indigenes from his constituency have secured permanent and pensionable appointments with the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). He also announced an additional placement of a Legislative Assistant under the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC). The lawmaker further reassured constituents awaiting Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) recruitment of their continued inclusion in the final recruitment batch.
Breakdown of Federal Appointments Secured by Hon. Jibrin:
- Engr. Nura Aliyu Hamisu – Kiru Ward (Senior Mechanical Engineer)
- Engr. Abdullahi Musa – Ranka Ward (Senior Mechanical Engineer)
- Engr. Shuaibu Mustapha – Kiru Ward (Senior Mechanical Engineer)
- Engr. Inuwa Dankaka – Bebeji Ward (Higher Technical Officer, Electrical)
- Engr. Abubakar Isa Baguda – Baguda Ward (Senior Electrical Engineer)
- Ashiru Idris Muhammad – National Assembly Service Commission (Legislative Assistant)
The announcement, which many hailed as a demonstration of effective representation, has stirred discontent in parts of Southern Nigeria — particularly in Lagos’ Kosofe Federal Constituency — where constituents are now demanding similar transparency and delivery from their own elected federal lawmakers.
Southern Lawmakers Under Scrutiny
The report quickly gained traction on social media, with KosofePost posing a critical question that ignited reactions:
“Can someone assist us with the names and wards of beneficiaries of Rep. Kafilat Ogbara’s federal employment efforts?”
This prompted widespread criticism of perceived underperformance by Southern legislators in the area of federal job facilitation and tangible developmental interventions.
Comrade Mudashiru Ismaila Alabi did not mince words, accusing Southern political officeholders of prioritizing personal gains over community development.
“In the north, they vote and see results. Here in the south, we’re sidelined even when employment is available,” he said.
“That’s why their votes continue to determine presidential outcomes.”
Omoba Awofeso Rasheed Ololade emphasized the importance of strategic political networking saying “Representatives must maintain healthy ties with policymakers. It’s not just about politics but bringing dividends of democracy home.”
Oyebanji Aina questioned the visibility of Lagos federal lawmakers that “Besides Jimi Benson of Ikorodu, how many of them have facilitated roads or jobs for their constituents?”
Comrade Mudashiru added that many Southern legislators are distracted by internal party politics.
“They fight political battles that benefit only their cliques, not the community at large.”
Mixed Reviews for Hon. Kafilat Ogbara
While many pointed fingers, some defended Hon. Kafilat Ogbara of Kosofe Federal Constituency.
Ola’ Obasan praised her for her legislative work saying “She has shown capacity in sponsoring bills and contributing meaningfully in plenary. Compared to her predecessors, her two-year record is commendable.”
However, Taiwo Lasisi, President of the Ta’awun Political Forum, issued a cautionary note.
“Legislative performance must be matched with constituency impact. The Renewed Hope Agenda must not become a Renewed Suffering Agenda.”
Comrade Mudashiru reinforced the point that “People aren’t attacking her. They’re demanding inclusive and visible impact — from council chairs to senators.”
Benchmarking Leadership: 2027 as the Scorecard
For many observers, Hon. Jibrin’s actions in Kano are setting a benchmark. Constituents across Kosofe and other Southern areas are calling for increased transparency, fair access to federal opportunities, and direct constituency engagement.
“2027 will be the scorecard. Constituents will judge based on meaningful and impactful projects, not group loyalty or internal party struggles,” Comrade Mudashiru concluded.
With political consciousness rising among constituents, particularly the youth, the message to lawmakers is clear: do more, show more, or risk being shown the door.
KosofePost will continue to track the responses of Southern representatives, with particular focus on federal employment allocations and infrastructural delivery.