Communities within the Ikwere/Emohua Federal Constituency of Rivers State have taken a decisive step towards ensuring accountability in the implementation of constituency projects for the year 2024. Under the banner of the Concerned Citizens of Ikwere/Emohua Federal Constituency, residents of the two local government areas comprising the constituency have formally petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offence Commission (ICPC), and the Physical Responsibility Commission (PRC) to investigate the utilization of allocated funds.
The initiative aims to address longstanding grievances regarding the non-execution of projects despite their inclusion in the budget and the full disbursement of funds. Conducting sensitization programs across the constituency’s 27 wards, the group informed communities about approved projects and the corresponding budgetary allocations.
Bethel-Chimzie Okwu, the leader of the Concerned Citizens, revealed that the process commenced three months ago, with a primary focus on ensuring transparency and accountability in project execution. Okwu lamented the recurrent diversion of funds meant for constituency projects, emphasizing the need for stringent oversight to prevent misappropriation.
Highlighting past discrepancies, Okwu cited an instance from the 2019 budget where funds allocated for the purchase of speed boats remained unaccounted for. Despite a budgetary allocation of N70 million for this purpose, investigations failed to trace the beneficiaries, raising concerns about accountability and effective project delivery.
Okwu reiterated the group’s determination to scrutinize all future projects, ensuring that beneficiaries are identified and projects are executed as planned. He emphasized the proactive measures taken, including engaging relevant anti-corruption agencies such as the EFCC, ICPC, and PRC to oversee project implementation and deter malfeasance.
“We have already set in motion everything that will happen if, by the end of this year, nothing happens. The EFCC, ICPC, and Physical Responsibility Commission are aware and we have already told them that their core mandate is to ensure investigations and track up Federal Government projects across the country,” Okwu affirmed.