Rivers constituents ask NASS representative to account for allocation
Some residents of Ikwerre Emohua federal constituency in Rivers state have emphasised their resolve to begin and continue to hold their representatives accountable in the discharge of their duties and the expediture of their commonwealth.
The residents under the aegis of The Concerned Citizens of Ikwerre Emohua Federal constituency said their effort was to help give hope to their people, in the face of wanton lack, hunger and confusion, inline with the Renewed Hope agenda of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The leader of the group Barrister Okwu Bethel-Chimzie while speaking to journalists at a rally in the community said their action is the culmination of a three month sensitisation programme for residents on how to track the performances of their political leaders.
The group noted that one of the highlights of their activities is seeking and obtaining detailed list of projects sanctioned by the Federal Government for the people of their constituency in the 2024 Appropriation Act.
The projects according to the group were domiciled in different federal ministries and agencies, including Ministry of Works, Science and technology, Agriculture and food security, Information and National orientation, Humanitarian and Poverty alleviation amongst others.
Mr Okwu Bethel-Chimzie lamented what he described as sabotage of government’s effort where funds meant for constituency projects are diverted to private use.
He said
“We have a dream to see a better Nigeria. We are driven by an ideology that information drives the opinions and actions of our people. We seek for a time where approved Federal Government projects for our constituency will not be diverted by powerful men or women, using shell companies remotely controlled by them, and thereby pitching several unaware constituents against the Federal Government, when projects proposed are not delivered.”
The constituents say their action is based on available information and “knowledge of the astronomical increase in revenues accruing to states, and local government areas in the country, as well as increased projects for members of the national Assembly for their constituencies and Senatorial Districts, in view of the removal of petrol subsidy”.
In addition to these efforts, spokesperson to the group have also tasked monitors to wake up to their responsibility.
We have also informed the EFCC, ICPC and specifically requested from the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, in a letter dated 7th February 2024, to wake up to their duty as enshrined in the Fiscal Responsibility Act, mandating them to investigate the performance and execution of Federal”
The constituents are asking people from others constituencies nationwide to begin engaging their representations rather than bemoan poor governance and yet do nothing.
