The Majority Leader of the Edo State
House of Assembly, Mr. Philip Shaibu, has revealed that each of the 24
lawmakers in the state House of Assembly gets an annual allocation of
N36m for the execution of projects in their respective constituencies.
Shaibu, who represents Etsako West in
the state assembly, spoke during the inauguration of blocks of three
classrooms in Jattu and Ugiede communities.
The lawmaker, who also hinted of his
intention to seek a seat in the federal House of Representatives, urged
the electorates not to be deceived by any lawmaker who claimed that the
provision of infrastructure was limited to the executive.
Shaibu further urged the people of the state to demand accounts of stewardship from elected officials in the state.
”It is not true that what we do is
mainly making laws because before I came into the House, I never knew
constituency projects exist.
“Prior to this period, we get N20m
annually. But between 2013 and 2014, the comrade governor had to
increase it to N36m so that we will be able to execute quality projects.
“And I thank God that my own projects
are there for everyone to see and other lawmakers must show their
constituency projects to the people.
“I challenge the electorates to demand
accountability from their representatives because we have one file which
the governor approves for the 24 members, including the PDP lawmakers.
“Sometimes, my colleagues tackle me when
I make public what comes to my constituency. But I don’t think it is
something hidden, unless you decide to pocket the money rather than work
for the people. This is what I want our people to investigate,” he
stated.
Meanwhile, a member of the House of
Representatives and Chairman, House Sub-Committee on Appropriation, Mr.
Razak Bello-Osagie, has urged political aspirants seeking various
elective offices in the country to shun “politics of calumny.”
Bello-Osagie, who represents Oredo
Federal Constituency and is also seeking re-election on the platform of
the All Progressives Congress, made the call while inspecting some
constituency projects in Benin. The projects include the construction of
1×15 MVA injection sub-station in Umuegbe community, in collaboration
with the Federal Ministry of Power to improve power supply in the area.
Bello-Osagie explained that legislators,
as representatives of their people, had the responsibility to attract
infrastructure, such as access roads, schools, electricity and potable
water to their constituencies.
He, therefore, urged political aspirants to let their deeds speak for them, rather than disparage their opponents.
Bello-Osagie said, “Projects by
honourable members nationally are projects that are facilitated to their
respective constituencies. That is why we represent the people.
“When you represent the people, what you do is to go out there and attract the dividends of democracy to your constituency.
“It is how much you are able to do and
the skill you are able to put in the process to attract more that makes
you a better representative.
“As much as possible, I want to appeal
to all stakeholders, particularly the participants, that we must run
away from the politics of calumny. If you have done anything, say so.
“I don’t use other people to campaign; I forbid it because I stand alone.”
