Over ₦6 Billion Constituency Projects, ₦500 Million Ondo City Library: Ekimogun Roundtable Demands Procurement Audit, May Petition EFCC

...vows to make a scapegoat out of the fleece

The Ekimogun Roundtable, a socio-economic advocacy group comprising indigenes of Ondo both at home and in the diaspora, has again raised serious concerns over alleged mismanagement of constituency projects in the Ondo East/West Federal Constituency. Of particular concern is the controversial ₦500 million Ondo City Library project, along with several questionable empowerment programmes.

In a statement signed by its Acting Secretary, Ms. Christiana Ayodele, and released to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the group described the handlers of the constituency projects as “economic warlords waging a monumental war against the well-being of the people of Ondo City by raking billions from them but giving back peanuts and yet behaving as if they are helping the people.”

Ms. Ayodele disclosed that the Roundtable is in possession of credible evidence showing that over ₦4 billion was allocated for constituency projects between 2021 and 2024. She alleged that many of these projects were fully executed in blatant violation of procurement regulations and were falsely presented as personal contributions by an elected official.

The group specifically labeled the Ondo City Library project a “community heist,” accusing its promoters of orchestrating a scheme to divert public funds under the guise of community development.

"These projects, purportedly sponsored by elected representatives of the constituency in the National Assembly, consistently failed to meet even the most basic standards of procurement due diligence and transparency. It is rather amusing to see some quarters celebrating the planned extension of the capital component of the 2024 Appropriation Act beyond its current expiration date, as though that changes the reality of what has already been appropriated and mismanaged. Only unserious students rejoice more over an extension of an examination date than over adequate preparation, a clear attempt to mask their inadequacies.” The statement read.

The revelation that lawmakers have been receiving a minimum of one billion Naira every year In constituency projects fund allocation has been corroborated by responsible lawmakers accross the country, and instead of our own representatives to bury their head in shame they keep sponsoring hungry and economically deprived people to spew nonsene, thinking our people are foolish. 

According to the Roundtable, many of the projects and empowerment initiatives fully executed lacked proper needs assessments, featured unverifiable lists of beneficiaries, and bore signs of undue personalisation and contract splitting. In several instances, funds were allegedly disbursed before project completion, raising red flags about the true intent behind these initiatives.

“These infractions strongly suggest that the multibillion-naira projects were not designed to serve the community but instead functioned as channels for personal enrichment at public expense,” the group stated.

The Ekimogun Roundtable reaffirmed its commitment to holding all responsible parties accountable and ensuring that every misappropriated kobo is traced and recovered in the interest of the Ondo people. It further revealed ongoing efforts to engage the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to conduct a comprehensive audit of the projects. Where necessary, the group said it would escalate the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation and prosecution in order to make a scapegoat out of the fleece.

The group also pledged to closely monitor the implementation of over ₦2 billion worth of projects earmarked for the constituency in the 2025 budget, with the goal of ensuring transparency and maximizing benefits for the people.

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TINUBU MOCKS OPPOSITION ‘IN DISARRAY’, HAILS DEMOCRACY HEROES, UNVEILS ECONOMIC GAINS IN DEMOCRACY DAY ADDRESS

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday delivered a wide-ranging Democracy Day address before a joint session of the National Assembly, using the moment to assert his commitment to democratic ideals, mock political opponents in disarray, and unveil sweeping tributes, economic progress reports, and future plans for the country.

The President, speaking at the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly in commemoration of Nigeria’s 2025 Democracy Day, began his remarks with a solemn tribute to Nigeria’s long democratic journey. “My heart stirred. It was a blend of accomplishment and resolve,” he said, reflecting on Nigeria’s progress since the return to civilian rule in 1999.

He recalled the declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day by former President Muhammadu Buhari and paid homage to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and other heroes of Nigeria’s democratic struggle. These included Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Pa Alfred Rewane, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Abraham Adesanya, and many others.

“The struggle was never the province of any one group or section of the country,” Tinubu said. “It was pan-Nigerian in its conception and will be even more pan-Nigerian as we strive to perfect it.”

In one of the most pointed political moments of the speech, the President dismissed claims that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was pushing for a one-party state. “To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state, I offer you a most personal promise. Your alarm rings in error,” Tinubu declared.

Mocking political rivals, he added, “Equally, my friends, we cannot blame anybody seeking to bail out of a sinking ship even without a life jacket... Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes... It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray.”

Reflecting on his own political history, Tinubu said he stood alone against the dominance of the ruling party in 2003 and remained the last progressive governor standing in his region. “They could not control our national destiny because fate is written from above. Nigeria will not become [a one-party state] now.”

He welcomed recent defections to the APC, notably from Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, along with other lawmakers, while stressing that competition must remain a healthy part of Nigeria’s democratic landscape.

Turning to governance, the President highlighted what he described as early successes in his economic reform agenda. He pointed to a 3.4 percent GDP growth in 2024, peaking at 4.6 percent in Q4—the highest in over a decade—while inflation had started to ease, food staples like rice and beans were stabilizing, and foreign reserves had grown fivefold. He also noted improvements in the Naira exchange rate and a positive balance of payments.

“Nigeria is on the path to achieving food sovereignty,” Tinubu said, setting a medium-term economic growth target of 7 percent, underpinned by a stronger manufacturing base and increased self-sufficiency in food production.

Consumer credit expansion was also a highlight. “In less than one year, over one hundred thousand Nigerians, including thirty-five thousand civil servants, have benefited... This July, we will launch a bold new initiative to empower four hundred thousand young Nigerians, including youth corpers, with consumer credit.”

Tinubu pledged continued investment in education, digital infrastructure, and job creation through initiatives like NELFUND and a nationwide fibre optic project aimed at bridging the digital divide.

On taxation and industrial development, he called for new legislation to boost manufacturing and streamline taxes. “Our medium-term growth target remains an economy growing at a 7 percent clip... Our tax and fiscal reforms will eliminate burdensome and multiple taxes.”

On governance, he touted efforts to protect taxpayer rights, support small businesses, and introduce new tools for transparency. He highlighted the formation of the National Credit Guarantee Company, backed by ₦100 billion in capital.

Security was another focal point. “We have intensified operations to reclaim communities... Our highways are safer, and we invest in technology and training,” he said, praising the Armed Forces for their continued sacrifice.

In a symbolic gesture to deepen national healing and recognition, Tinubu announced a sweeping list of national honours to various democracy activists, journalists, politicians, and civil society heroes. Among them were Kudirat Abiola (posthumous CFR), Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (posthumous GCFR), and General Alani Akinrinade (GCON).

He also conferred national honours and a full state pardon on the late Ken Saro-Wiwa and other members of the Ogoni Nine, describing them as “national heroes.”

The presiding officers of the National Assembly were also formally decorated with the honours previously conferred on them. These included Senate President Godswill Akpabio (GCON), Speaker Tajudeen Abbas (GCON), Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau (CFR), and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu (CFR).

President Tinubu ended his 57-paragraph speech with a call to rededicate the nation to the ideals of June 12. “Freedom, transparent and accountable government, social justice, active citizen participation, and a just society where no one is oppressed.”

“Happy Democracy Day,” he said. “May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and protect our troops.”

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June 12: President Tinubu Cancels National Broadcast

 President Bola Tinubu has cancelled the June 12 national broadcast earlier scheduled as part of activities lined up to celebrate Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Anniversary.

Sunshinereporters.ng reports that the planned nationwide broadcast was cancelled due to his scheduled address at the National Assembly Joint Session the same day.

The cancellation of the national broadcast comes on the heels of the earlier announcement that the Federal Government has decided to cancel the military parade that was to commemorate the 26th Democracy Day, which is scheduled for Thursday, June 12, 2025.

READ MORE: Agboola Ajayi, PDP Reject Tribunal Verdict, Head to Appeal Court

According to details released by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Democracy Day celebration, President Tinubu will instead participate in a special joint session of the National Assembly at 12 noon.

This joint session is anticipated to include discussions on the State of the Nation, reflections on Nigeria’s democratic journey, and renewed appeals for national unity and reform.

Later that day, a public lecture is planned to take place at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja at 4pm.

READ MORE: Police Arraign Nine Over Ondo Cult Killings, Vow to Sustain Crackdown

Meanwhile, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dele Momodu, has condemned the leaders of Nigeria, accusing them of causing hardship for the citizens.

According to Momodu, Nigerians are hungry, and the leaders don’t care how the citizens feel.

He lamented that democracy has been damaged in Nigeria, and civilian dictators are the ones in charge of the country.

Speaking on Wednesday, during an interview with Channels Television, the former PDP presidential aspirant said those who fought and died for democracy, particularly during the June 12 struggle, would be heartbroken if they could witness the current state of the nation.

Sunshinereporters.ng reports that he submitted that politicians in all arms of government are responsible for the damage to Nigeria’s democracy.

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