The member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Ime Okon, has reeled out his scorecard and given himself a pass mark with constituency projects in roads, education, water, solar energy and human capital development worth over N1.7 billion spent so far.
The Akwa Ibom federal lawmaker stated this while presenting his mid-term achievements during a session with journalists in his constituency office in Itu LGA. He explained that the amount was in addition to other assistance rendered to over 800 individuals who presented different needs and received his immediate assistance in cash and other forms.
Highlighting his legislative strides in his first two years, Okon noted that he has sponsored or co-sponsored eight bills and motions, including a bill to establish the Metallurgical and Materials Engineers and Scientists Registration Board of Nigeria.
Others included a bill to establish the Biomedical Engineers and Scientist Registration Board and Motions on the urgent rehabilitation of the Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road Highway, as well as the disparity between HND and BSc holders in security agencies, and the need to decongest correctional centres, among others.
Okon, the deputy chairman of the House Committee on Inter-Governmental Affairs, said that in line with his constitutional duty of oversight, he has actively participated as a committed member of ten House committees, including gas resources, healthcare services, host communities, and works.
Okon, who has also been co-opted into three additional committees, including Procurement, Basic Education, and Interior, vowed to ensure that more democratic dividends were brought to his constituents.
He listed some of the projects, including the construction and furnishing of six classroom blocks, the technical school, and a classroom block with toilet facilities at PCN Primary School in Itu LGA.
The lawmaker also mentioned the construction of 1.5km Joshua Uwah Street, including the installation of solar-powered street lights and a drainage system, in Mbak Itam III, Itu LGA , the ultra-modern 450-capacity Civic Centre in Idoro, and the ongoing construction of a 1,000-capacity Civic Centre in Nkwa, Ibiono Ibom LGA.
Others include solar-powered street light installation in Ikot Obio Enang, Ikot Edok, and Ikpa Ikot Ubo/Ikot Usen, as well as in Ibiono Ibom and Itu LGAs.
He, however, used the forum to correct the widespread misconception surrounding the 2025 constituency project allocation, clarifying that “while each constituency is now allotted N1 billion worth of projects, no cash is handed directly to lawmakers, even as all projects are executed by relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).”
“It is important that I correct a popular misconception which has gained traction across the country. Members are alleged to have been given N1 billion cash each for Constituency projects in the 2025 budget. There is no such thing; rather, each federal constituency is allotted constituency projects to the tune of N1 billion in the 2025 budget.
“The difference this time is that the project’s total worth was increased to N1 billion from N200 million. Also, I must emphasise that no member executes or administers the project. That is the duty of the various ministries, departments and agencies where the projects are domiciled,” Rt. Hon. added.
He disclosed plans for a massive empowerment programme later in the year, targeting skills development and financial upliftment of constituents.
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