...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.
0 comments: