Abolish Constituency Projects: Restore Legislative Integrity

EDITORIAL
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Abolish Constituency Projects: Restore Legislative Integrity

Constituency projects have become a national embarrassment, a symbol of corruption and waste in our beloved country. The National Assembly, entrusted with making laws and oversight functions, has instead become notorious for inserting dubious projects into the budget. This practice, they termed budget padding. It’s time to call a spade by its name: constituency projects are a recipe for disaster.

The constitution is clear: the legislative, executive, and judicial arms of government should be separate and independent. Lawmakers are not meant to execute projects; that’s the primary function of executive. By dabbling in constituency projects, the legislature is usurping the powers of another arm of government. Power not vested in them.

Report shows that between 1999 and 2024, a whooping N32 trillion has been squandered on constituency projects with little to show.

The ICPC’s findings are damning: abandoned projects, inflated contracts, and diversion of materials for personal gains. This is corruption. The height of irresponsible legislating. Plain and simple.

The National Assembly’s actions are unconstitutional. By inserting projects into the budget, they’re overstepping their mandate. This is a power grab, and it undermines the principles of separation of powers.

Lawmakers are not contractors. Their role is to make laws, not execute projects. By doing so, they’re compromising their oversight functions and accountability.

Constituency projects are a waste of resources. Communities seldom benefit from these projects, and the funds are often misappropriated. This is a travesty, and it must stop.

We urge President Tinubu, Senator Godwin Akpabio, and Speaker Abbas Tajudeen to take a stand against constituency projects. This is an opportunity to demonstrate commitment to transparency and accountability.

The National Assembly can restore its integrity, by abolishing constituency projects. Lawmakers can focus on their core functions: lawmaking and oversight.

The legislative arm must assert its independence and hold the executive accountable. This requires a clear separation of powers, not the current blurred lines.

If constituency projects continue, our democracy will suffer. Corruption will thrive, and accountability will be a distant dream.

We owe it to ourselves and future generations the obligation to get this right. Abolishing constituency projects is a step towards a more transparent and accountable government.

Civil society must raise its voice against this legislative heist. They must demand better desls from our lawmakers and hold them accountable for their actions.

If necessary, the executive should seek judicial interpretation on project execution. This will clarify the boundaries between the legislative and executive arms.

Those involved in corruption and mismanagement of constituency projects should face the law. The ICPC must investigate and prosecute without fear or favor.

Constituency projects are a cancer that must be excised from our system. It’s time for real change, for lawmakers to focus on their constitutional duties. We urge all stakeholders to join the fight against corruption and waste. Together, we can build a better Nigeria.

Editorial Board Members
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