**Advocate for Greater Transparency, Accountability

**Call for Greater Private Sector Involvement

The Economic and Financtial crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission(ICPC) have accused some National Assembly members of allegedly utilizing proxies to execute constituency Projects.
Apart from that, the bidding process is alleged to be selective as it is only given to contractors based on their interest.
This is in contrast to the position that lawmakers don’t have imput in the nomination of contractors or the execution of their constituency projects.
The issue they said has also contributed to the lack of transparency leading to many abandoned constituency projects that litter many federal contituencies and senatorial districts across Nigeria.
Dr. Eze Johnson who represent3d the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Alanipekun Olukoyede highlighted corruption challenges and called for enhanced monitoring and transparency in grassroots development projects during A Policy Dialogue on the role of the Private Sector in the Implementation of Constituency Projects in Nigeria.
The event was initiated by OrderPaper Nigeria as part of a broader effort to promote accountability in governance in form of Advocacy Iniatiative

In his presentation at the Policy Dialogue on grassroots development, Johnson expressed concern over the widespread corruption in the execution of constituency projects, also known as Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs).
He emphasized the need for a stronger collaboration between anti-corruption agencies, contractors, government ministries, and local communities to ensure accountability in project execution.
Johnson noted that while the EFCC is often seen as an enforcement body dealing with economic and financial crimes after they occur, prevention is equally vital.
He used the metaphor of turning off the tap to prevent a flood rather than mopping up water after it spills to explain the importance of proactive measures. “It’s easier, cheaper, and faster to prevent fraud than to address it after the damage is done,” he remarked.

Dr. Johnson raised key issues concerning the abandonment and mismanagement of ZIPs, revealing that investigations often uncover inflated bills of quantities and under-delivered work.
He shared a real-world example of an abandoned school block project, where funds were disbursed, but substandard materials were used, and funds were diverted. “We follow the money and often find it going to places it shouldn’t be,” he said.
He further identified conflict of interest issues, noting that some contractors behind the projects have personal or political ties to legislators, creating a lack of transparency in the tendering process.
He emphasized the need for open tendering processes rather than selective ones, which allow for favoritism and corruption.
Johnson concluded by urging all stakeholders, contractors, sponsors, and local communities to take responsibility for ensuring that projects meet the needs of the grassroots.
“It’s not just the contractors who are responsible; it’s also the sponsors and the communities who must be vigilant and involved,” he said.
In the sane vein the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) also made reference to legislators connivance with contractors in the execution or abandoned projects
He emphasized the critical role of the private sector in ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of constituency projects across Nigeria.
Thr Secretary to the Commission, Clifford Okudiraparao, who
represented ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Aliyu, spoke on the need for enhanced monitoring and collaboration to prevent corruption and the diversion of public funds.

Okudiraparao highlighted the rampant misuse of funds allocated for constituency projects, pointing out how contractors, often in connivance with public officials, abandon projects or deliver substandard work. “Constituency projects have become a red flag for systematic corruption, with funds being siphoned off and communities left underserved,” he stated.

“The ICPC launched the Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI) in 2019, designed to proactively prevent fraud by monitoring the implementation of constituency projects across the country.
“According to Okudiraparao, the initiative has tracked over 3,485 projects worth ₦433 billion from 2019 to 2023, compelling over 500 contractors to return to sites to complete abandoned projects. “This initiative has saved the government hundreds of billions of Naira and ensured that projects benefit the grassroots as intended,” he said.
Okudiraparao urged the private sector, civil society, and the media to increase their involvement in monitoring these projects. He noted that collaboration with private entities can provide technical expertise, transparency, and accountability, which are crucial for ensuring the success of public projects. “Private sector involvement is integral to ensuring that public funds are used effectively and that communities receive the benefits they deserve,” he added.

The ICPC official also pointed out the importance of local government involvement, particularly in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling affirming their financial autonomy. He argued that local governments, being closer to the grassroots, must play a more active role in ensuring the proper execution of projects that directly affect their communities.
Okudiraparao concluded by reiterating the Commission’s commitment to ensuring accountability and fighting corruption, stating that continued collaboration between the ICPC, the National Assembly, and the private sector is essential for improving project outcomes. “It’s not just about prosecution; it’s about prevention, transparency, and ensuring that every Naira spent by the government brings real benefits to the people.”
The leader of the senate Opeyemi Bamidele said the National Assembly play a pivotal role in ensuring constituency projects are implemented effectively.
“While lawmakers do not execute these projects, they are responsible for legislative oversight, budgetary approval and ensuring transparency in the procurement process. Through strong legislative frameworks and public engagement, the National Assembly helps ensure the projects meet the needs of local communities and serve their intended purposes.
The Executive Director of OrderPaper Nigeria, Oke Epia called for increased private sector involvement in constituency projects to combat corruption and inefficiency. He pointed out that although approximately ₦100 billion is allocated to these projects annually, their benefits are often not realized due to a lack of transparency and accountability. He emphasized that while lawmakers are often blamed for unsuccessful projects, their role is primarily to nominate projects rather than implement them.
The Director urged for more scrutiny of contractors, as their performance significantly influences project outcomes, and highlighted the responsibility of financial institutions in managing funds related to these projects.
He expressed the hope that the event would lead to productive discussions on enhancing collaboration between stakeholders and improving the overall framework of constituency projects in Nigeria.

Judgment in the Kogi State governorship elections appeal filed by Muritala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has been reserved by the a five man panel of the Supreme Court
Ajaka had challenged the declaration made by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) on the outcome of the 2023 governorship elections in their respective states.
However, in a ruling on Monday, the Supreme Court said it reserved judgments in the appealed cases.
The SDP candidate had appealed the judgment of a three-member tribunal that affirmed the election of Ahmed Usman Ododo of APC as governor of Kogi.

However, after the Appeal Court judgment in June, Ajaka alleged that the judgment was influenced by some irregularities and manipulations.

While delivering judgment, the appeal court upheld the tribunal judgment which dismissed his petition for lacking in merit.

Ajaka, in a statement made available to newsmen after the judgment said he would appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal.

He also said the journey to reclaiming his mandate is not limited to the decision of the appellate court.

He said, he cannot afford to be deterred by setbacks or disheartened by temporary defeats. “Our cause is justice and our determination will not waver. We must stand united and continue to support our legal team as they navigate these complex legal waters on our behalf.

“I want to assure you, our political followers, that victory is within our grasp. We firmly believe that the truth will prevail, and justice will be served. We have full faith in the Nigerian judicial system, and we are confident that the apex court will rectify the injustices that have been inflicted upon us once again.”

****mourns Ex-Rangers legends

The Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections in Nigeria, Peter Obi, has berated Nigeria’s sports leadership for the disastrous performance of Nigeria in the just-ended 2024 Paris Olympics.
Nigeria finished with no single medal after squandering billions of naira where nine African countries won medals.
Writing on his X handle on Sunday Obi said, despite the huge financial investment made into the project, the contingent is returning without a single medal.
He expressed his displeasure with what he referred to as the rascality and recklessness continued to characterise leadership in the nation, which often portrays the country as a joke, even on the international stage.
“How can one explain that a country like Jamaica spent less than 5% of what we spent on our contingents for the Paris Olympics 2024 and won as many as 6 medals, and with our huge financial investments, we could not win even a singular medal? At least nine African countries won gold but the giant with over 200m people came home without even a bronze.
“We invested about N12 billion into this Olympics, which is almost twice the amount budgeted for the entire Ministry of Science and Technology for this year’s budget. This is over N136 million (about $85,000) spent on each of the 88 Nigerian contingents to the Olympics, and no singular medal was won while Jamaica, a nation which spent far less than we did, a total of about $2300 on each contingent, won 6 medals; 1 Gold, 3 Silver and 2 Bronze at the Olympics. We must now question how we made this huge investment, without getting any returns.
“Sad stories like these are only obtainable because we have refused to embrace competence and capacity over favouritism in Nigeria.
Speaking on Favour Ofili a Nigerian professional sprinter who trained for years for the 2024 Olympics, only for her name to be recklessly and wrongly removed from the list of athletes for the 100m race at the Olympics by Nigerian sporting authorities.
“What explanation can anyone give about Annette Echikunwoke, a former Nigerian hammer thrower, who was frustrated by the same rascality of some Nigerian leaders, making her switch her allegiance to the United States, where she eventually won a medal in the ongoing Olympics?
“These same professional athletes were denied the opportunity to represent our nation in Tokyo 2020 for a similar reason of administrative recklessness.
“I have it on good authority that some injured athletes, not physically fit to represent the country and not competing in the ongoing Olympics, were there in Paris receiving estacodes from our national resources.
“Some of the sports officials and others who have no reason to be at the Olympics were there too, living large and feeding fat on the estacodes while our nation was crashing out on every sporting event.
“One of our athletes, Ese Ukpeseraye, had to borrow a bicycle to compete at her sporting event. How can one truly explain that?
“What a country! What a shame! When do we stop these rascalities that always rob our nation of golden opportunities to make a positive change?
“I call on the government to investigate these gross misconducts and make sure that those responsible do not have the opportunity to do so again.
“We must build a nation of discipline and commitment to duty, where competence and capacity reign. That is the New Nigeria we preach, and it is POssible.
Also, on Sunday, Obi eulogized two great Nigeria footballers, Ex-Rangers football Club legends Stanley Okoronkwo and Harrison Mecha, where he joined other sports lovers in service of songs in Enugu last Thursday.
Both Okoronkwo and Mecha were retired footballers who enjoyed fulfilling football careers while playing for the Rangers Football Club and for the national team in their days.
“I have consistently advised that such heroes who have made positive impacts in our nation and contributed to our development by utilizing their talents and skills be celebrated and appreciated.
“Celebrating such heroic personalities will awaken in our younger generation, the passion to contribute to societal development.
“Both Okoronkwo and Mecha were football heroes who distinguished themselves in the field of play and contributed to the growth of our sports sector.
“May God Almighty, who is pleased to call them home, grant them eternal rest, and grant their families, the Ex-Rangers Int’l Footballers and all of us the fortitude to bear their irreplaceable loss.
May God continue to protect and bless their families.”