The excitement that greeted the recent recruitment into the Amotekun Corps in Osun State has quickly turned into bitter disappointment for many of the newly engaged personnel. What was widely publicized and celebrated as a permanent, pensionable job has now been revealed to be an ad-hoc appointment, throwing many hopeful youths into confusion and disillusionment.
Ad-hoc employment, by definition, is temporary and task-specific. It offers no long-term security, no pension, and can be terminated at any time once the employer deems the assignment complete or the role redundant. This stark reality was made clear in the appointment letters issued to the new recruits a rude awakening from the promises initially sold to them.
This development raises serious questions about the intent and transparency of the Adeleke-led administration. An enormous amount of public funds was reportedly spent on this exercise from training and uniforms to security gadgets and a well-oiled publicity campaign that led Osun people to believe this was a genuine empowerment scheme. If the goal was simply to recruit on a temporary basis, why the costly pretense?
Even more disturbing is the growing suspicion among citizens and opposition parties that these recruits were not hired purely for community security, but potentially as political tools ahead of the upcoming elections. While the Electoral Act limits the role of such agencies during elections to prevent abuse, there is genuine concern that Amotekun may be used for unlawful arrests, intimidation, and political harassment in the lead-up to the polls.
The public deserves clarity. What specific temporary task were these recruits employed for? If theyโre not election officers, and their roles are not permanent, then who benefits from this arrangement?
The hopes of many young men and women who believed they had found gainful employment have been dashed. This episode further cements the perception held by many that the current government is more invested in propaganda than in tangible, sustainable governance.
Also notable is the lingering question of the yet to be employed teachers who were promised positions now seemingly replaced by the Imole Corps. What happened to the promises made to them?
As we approach the next election, citizens and opposition members alike must remain vigilant. The people of Osun deserve truth, accountability, and a government that honours its words, not one that thrives on optics.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has now set the date. Until then, we watch, we wait and we hope for a better Osun.
May God preserve us all beyond the next election season.
Olaoye Temitope writes from Osogbo.
