A civic technology organisation, MonITNG, has criticised a recent constituency empowerment programme carried out by a member of the House of Representatives representing Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency of Rivers State, Kelechi Nwogu, describing the exercise as a misplaced use of public resources amid worsening social infrastructure in the area.
In a report released on Monday, the group said, “This is Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, MHR, DSSRS, representing Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency, Rivers State, whose recent constituency empowerment exercise reportedly involved the distribution of luxury cars, motorcycles, sewing machines, hair dryers, cash support, and other items presented as ‘development’ interventions for constituents.”
MonITNG said that while such programmes are often celebrated publicly, they should be subjected to scrutiny, especially when funded with public money.
“While such programmes are often publicly celebrated, it is important to critically reflect on what true constituency development should look like, especially when millions of naira in public funds are involved,” the organisation stated.
MonITNG lamented the condition of schools and healthcare facilities across Etche and Omuma communities, saying residents continue to suffer neglect despite huge public spending.
“Across Etche and Omuma, many communities continue to face deeply pressing challenges. Schools remain in poor condition with inadequate learning materials, dilapidated classrooms, and limited access to quality education.
“Health centres are under-resourced, lacking basic equipment and essential staff, leaving residents to struggle for care that should be readily available within their communities.”
MonITNG questioned the decision to prioritise vehicles and consumable items instead of long-term investments capable of improving the lives of the wider population.
“Against this backdrop, the prioritisation of cars and consumable items as empowerment raises serious questions about development priorities and whether constituency projects are truly addressing the most urgent needs of the people.”
The organisation further argued that empowerment should not be reduced to selective giveaways benefiting only a few politically connected individuals.
“Empowerment, in its real sense, should not be reduced to isolated distributions that benefit a select few.
“When public funds are used in ways that largely serve party structures or limited beneficiaries, it risks drifting away from the broader goal of inclusive and sustainable development.”
According to the organisation, constituency projects were originally designed to close infrastructure deficits and strengthen public institutions, not to become what it called occasional spectacles of generosity.
“Constituency projects are meant to close infrastructure gaps, strengthen public institutions, and improve access to essential services for all, not to be converted into episodic showcases of generosity.”
MonITNG acknowledged that some distributed items could help individuals, but insisted they could not replace public infrastructure.
“A sewing machine may support a livelihood, and a motorcycle may ease movement, but these cannot substitute for functioning schools, well-equipped hospitals, clean water systems, and lasting community infrastructure that serve entire populations.”
The organisation maintained that residents of Etche/Omuma deserve measurable development visible in essential sectors.
“The people of Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency, Rivers State, deserve development that is visible in their schools, their hospitals, their roads, and their daily lives, not just in periodic empowerment events.
“Public funds must remain a trust for collective progress, not selective distribution. Real representation is measured by impact, not display,” MonITNG stressed.
Post a Comment