***Demand for Proof of Zonal Intervention Projects in FCT
The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Heebah Kingibe,has demanded concrete evidence of intervention projects purportedly completed in her constituency in a move to ensure transparency and accountability.
Speaking at a recent Senate Committee on Water Resources meeting, Kingibe voiced concerns over projects claimed to be completed in the FCT without any visible proof.
“I will get to the bottom of this, no matter what it takes,” she vowed, questioning how intervention projects in her jurisdiction could be marked as completed without her knowledge or documentation.
The meeting, held at the National Assembly, featured a report from Minister of Water Resources, Engineer Joseph Utsef, who responded to Kingibe’s previous complaints about a lack of transparency from the Niger Basin Development Authority (NBDA). According to Senator Kingibe, the Director General of NBDA has not provided adequate details about the projects, prompting her to demand answers.
Expressing her disapproval, Kingibe told the committee she was unaware of 14 specific projects reported as completed, adding that she had thoroughly documented all projects she personally initiated.
“He [the DG] cannot do any intervention project without my knowledge or documentation,” she stressed.
In a video shared with the media, Kingibe explained that the NBDA’s Director General claimed all 14 projects were completed and assured the committee that he knew their locations.
Kingibe, however, insisted that these locations be disclosed to the Senate for verification.
Among the projects in question are;
Road construction, Perimeter fencing and furnishing of health centers across the FCT, Renovation of public buildings in the FCT, Installation of boreholes in three area councils within the FCT
Senator Kingibe also demanded proof of fertilizer distribution to FCT farmers, requesting a verified list of beneficiaries and their locations.
Responding to the senator’s inquiries, Utsef apologized for not having the requested documentation on hand and assured the committee that he would work to provide the necessary details shortly.
The meeting included the Minister of Water Resources, the Permanent Secretary, department heads, and members of the Senate Committee on Water Resources. Committee chairman Senator Kenneth Eze emphasized that the National Assembly would not tolerate any misuse of public funds and would closely monitor resource allocation to ensure transparency and accountability.