On N2trn constituency projects

The chairman Independent Corrupt Practice and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Prof Bolaji Olasanoye, said “the country had spent N2t trillion on constituency projects in the last 19 years without commensurate results. He said this during the induction of members of Institute of Quantity Surveyors in Abuja. He further said, ICPC is tracking these projects in 12 states of the federation. Imagine the impact this N2 trillion frittered projects between 2000 and 2019 could have for the socio-economic development of the country. Even before this shocking revelation, Nigerians were 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 arm which during the federal executive council meeting (FEC) awards them. These contracts have to pass through the national tender board which advertises and ensures only competent companies are given the jobs.

  Since the return of democracy in 1999, it seems this constitutional procedure has been altered and abused. The national assembly which is constitutional empowered or mandated to make laws for the betterment of Nigeria 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 MDAs. That was why it did not come to many Nigerians as a surprise when the N2 trillion constituency projects question was raised by the chairman of ICPC. The constituency projects if fully implemented would have direct bearing to the lives of constituents. Think about the building of hospitals, schools, construction of feeders road or youth empowerment programmes.

  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 N2 trillion could be voted for constituency projects without corresponding impacts, it actually meant the funds were either mismanaged or outrightly diverted. N2 trillion is huge and if properly utilised 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

08169056963.

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