A RESPONSE TO SALMAN IDRIS’S UNFAIR CRITICISM OF KOLAWOLE MATTHEW: A CASE OF SOUR GRAPES
It is indeed telling that Salman Idris is now lecturing on compassion, given his own record of representation.
While he busied himself distributing 40 pieces of 5kg rice to selected wards in Ijumu Local Government, leaving out entire communities in Kabba-Bunu, Kolawole Matthew was delivering tangible dividends of democracy to the people of Kogi State as Speaker, particularly in the 30 wards that comprise Kabba Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency.
The contrast is stark.
One wonders if Salman Idris’s notion of success is measured by the number of luxury trips abroad, like his recent Morocco jaunt, rather than serving his constituents.
Salman Idris’s criticism of Kolawole Matthew reeks of hypocrisy and stark malignancy. His own constituency, Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu, is yet to see the kind of development Kolawole Matthew brought to the entire state as Speaker Kogi State House of Assembly.
One refurbished fairly used Toyota Highlander for one king does not compare to the physical and entrepreneurial improvements Kolawole Matthew delivered in Kabba Bunu local government and the robust legislative excellence across Kogi State.
Can Salman Idris say the same? The 
question is rhetorical, “Absolutely No”
His focus on attacking Kolawole Matthew only exposes his desperation for relevance.
Kolawole Matthew’s achievements as Speaker are a matter of public record: roads, schools, hospitals, and empowerment programs that benefited his constituents, not just limited to his domain alone.
Can Salman Idris point to similar achievements?
His silence is deafening. Instead of engaging in petty politics, Salman Idris should account for his stewardship. The people of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu deserve better than a representative more concerned with criticizing others than delivering on promises.
The people of Kogi State remember Salman Idris’s pitiful “empowerment” efforts – or lack thereof.
They see through his bitter criticism of Kolawole Matthew, a man who served with distinction. It’s clear Salman Idris is struggling to come to terms with his own shortcomings.
The electorate will decide who deserves their vote in 2027.
For now, let’s focus on facts: Kolawole Matthew served with distinction; Salman Idris should worry about his own woeful performance. As the saying goes, “when you play the fool, expect fools as opponents.
Olatunji Waliyyu Writes From Iyamoye.