Residents from various communities within Ikwere/Emohua Federal Constituency in Rivers State have collectively petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offence Commission, and the Physical Responsibility Commission. This is to request an investigation into the execution of the 2024 constituency projects within their region.
The residents from the Emohua/Ikwerre Federal Constituency highlighted the aim of their petition, which is to put an end to the trend of legislators not fulfilling projects outlined in the budget despite the funds being allocated and released.
They conducted an awareness campaign within the communities to inform them about the approved projects and the corresponding funds designated for each project.
During a sensitization event in Igwuruta, Ikwerre, the group’s spokesperson, Bethel-Chimzie Okwu, revealed that this initiative commenced three months earlier and covered all 27 wards within the constituency. He emphasized the historical problem of projects not being implemented as intended, with funds often being misappropriated.
Okwu elaborated on the continuous challenges faced by the constituency in project execution and fund utilization. He confirmed that formal petitions were submitted to the EFCC, ICPC, and PRC, urging them to safeguard the allocated funds for constituency projects and ensure full implementation of all projects as stipulated in the budget.
He cited an example from the 2019 budget where a substantial amount was designated for purchasing speed boats for individuals in the Ikwerre-Emohua Federal Constituency, yet the beneficiaries remained unidentified. This lack of accountability prompted their current demand for transparency and project visibility.
In preparation for potential inaction, the group has alerted the EFCC, ICPC, and Physical Responsibility Commission about the matter. They stressed the importance of these agencies fulfilling their investigative roles to monitor federal projects nationwide.