On N2 trillion constituency projects
The chairman independent corrupt practice commission(ICPC), Prof Bolaji Olasanoye has stated that “the country had spent 2trillion naira on constituency projects in the last 19 years without commensurate results. Prof Bolaji stated this during the induction of newly-members of institute of quantitative surveyors in Abuja. He further said, ICPC is tracking these projects in the […]
The chairman independent corrupt practice commission(ICPC), Prof Bolaji Olasanoye has stated that “the country had spent 2trillion naira on constituency projects in the last 19 years without commensurate results. Prof Bolaji stated this during the induction of newly-members of institute of quantitative surveyors in Abuja. He further said, ICPC is tracking these projects in the 12 states of the federation. Imagine the impacts these 2 trillion frittered projects between 2000 and 2019 could have for the socio-economy development of the country. Even before this shocking revelation, Nigerians are inundated with the frightening news on how funds allocated for constituency projects are corruptly diverted by our legislators. Constitutionally, the National Assembly has no power to award contracts. The awards of contracts are within the power of executive arms which during the federal executive council meeting (FEC), usually presided over by Mr President and his cabinet, discussed the contracts proposal and awarded them. These contracts have to pass through the national tender board which advertise and ensure only competent companies are given the jobs.
Since the restoration of democracy in 1999, it seems this constitutional procedures have been altered or stopped and the system completely abused by the government. The National Assembly which is constitutional empowered or mandated to make laws for the betterment of Nigerians has become the haven of corruption. Besides the mouth-watering salary and allowances they legally or illegally enjoy, these sizeable numbers of legislators are accused for budget padding and outright extortion during their over sight functions of MDA’s. That was why it did not come to many Nigerians as surprise when the 2 trillion naira constituency projects question was raised by the chairman of ICPC. The constituency projects are projects which if fully implemented would have direct bearing to the lives of constituents. Think about the building of hospitals, schools, construction of feeder road or youth empowerment programs.
There are legislators who have implemented these projects, some have partly done it, while majority collected the funds and refused to erect even a local or ordinary shanty. If 2 trillion naira could be voted for constituency projects without corresponding impacts, it actually meant the funds were either mis-managed or out rightly diverted. Two trillion naira is huge resources which if properly utilized could stimulate and accelerate the Nigerian economy. Now, ICPC wants to investigate how the constituency funds are used or spent in the past 19 years. Can the anti-graft agency win the war?
Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua, Kaduna State.