In recent times, the activities of a group known as the Ekimogun Roundtable have garnered public attention—particularly for their persistent criticisms of Hon. Abiola Makinde, the Honourable Member representing Ondo East and West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Cloaked in the language of transparency and accountability, their actions have instead raised questions about motive, fairness, and political objectivity.
Accountability is undeniably a cornerstone of any thriving democracy. However, genuine demands for accountability must be grounded in fairness, consistency, and objectivity. When criticism is targeted at one individual while others in similar positions are conveniently ignored, it undermines the credibility of such advocacy and reveals a potentially biased agenda.
If the Ekimogun Roundtable truly seeks to enlighten the public, a foundational understanding of governance and budgetary implementation in Nigeria is imperative. No annual budget—whether in Nigeria or elsewhere—is implemented 100%. Historically, Nigeria has struggled with budget implementation rates as low as 40%. It is only in recent years, particularly under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that notable improvements have been recorded.
Furthermore, the mere inclusion of a project in the national budget does not guarantee its immediate execution. Legislators are not implementers. Even the much-misunderstood Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs)—which allow lawmakers to nominate projects based on constituency needs—are implemented by federal agencies, not the lawmakers themselves.
Criticisms aimed at Hon. Makinde for “unexecuted projects” demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of how Nigeria’s budgetary process works and the systemic limitations therein. For example, the 2024 budget is still undergoing partial implementation, while the 2025 budget is yet to be finalized, as it typically takes shape around mid-year.
Unchecked misinformation is dangerous. It distorts public perception, erodes trust in institutions, and unjustly maligns hardworking public servants. Hon. Abiola Makinde is one such public servant—one whose track record speaks volumes. His contributions to Ondo Federal Constituency are both substantial and unprecedented.
From sponsoring over 25 young constituents for study abroad—many of whom are now thriving in their respective fields—to extending meaningful support to grassroots leaders, Hon. Makinde has exemplified people-focused representation. A telling example is the testimony of the Chairman of Ward Seven in Ondo West Local Government, who publicly acknowledged receiving a brand-new motorcycle and one million naira in support from the lawmaker—alongside similar support extended to 21 other ward chairmen across the constituency.
This begs a critical question: What exactly has Hon. Makinde done that others in similar political positions—be it Senators or State Assembly Members—have not done or failed to do?
It is high time we moved beyond politics driven by vendettas or selective outrage. True democratic engagement must promote fair assessment, constructive dialogue, and a sincere commitment to progress. We must resist the harmful tendency captured in the Yoruba saying, “Oko Ondo ohun e bi Ondo ninu”—a self-sabotaging attitude where the success of one’s own people breeds resentment.
Let us instead heed the wisdom of Jeremiah 31:29:
“The people will no longer quote this proverb: ‘The parents have eaten sour grapes, but their children’s mouths pucker at the taste.”
Indeed, it is time to heal. It is time to build. Accountability must be upheld as a democratic right—but never as a weapon for political witch-hunting. That approach is not only unjust—it is counterproductive.
May God heal our land.