Group Wants Govt To Abolish Constituency Projects

A non-governmental organisation known as Niger Delta Youth Leaders Council (NDYLC), has called on the Federal Government to scrap the constituency development projects fund as it has become a conduit pipe for some lawmakers to siphon money.

President of the body, Comrade Ogbueri Japhet who made the call in an exclusive chat with The Tide on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, rather recommended the establishment of wards development fund in its place.

He argues that most of the constituency funds were diverted to private pockets by some lawmakers at the national and state levels, noting that no tangible projects have been implemented with the monies so far disbursed since the country’s return to democracy 12 years ago.

Comrade Japhet stressed that the situation is worse in many Niger Delta states, where most of the national and state legislators have diverted the funds to personal use.

In the words of Comrade Japhet, “Most times when  the projects are approved the people are not consulted and this makes these projects a far cry from the needs of the constituency.

The Niger Delta Youth Leader was of the view that there was no constitutional provision for constituency projects, but rather a concoction of politicians to make money.

The Omuma-born youth activist remarked that, “In Omuma where I come from, there is nothing to show as constituency project. They should channel these funds to wards development funds, where the people needs it more”.