The member representing Egbada/Ona-Ara federal constituency of Oyo State, Akin Alabi, has disclosed that he willing to call for end to constituency projects if the people will stop asking him for projects.
Alabi, who is a first timer in the House, stated this while responding to questions on Twitter on Thursday.
“I agree. But it will only fly if constituents do not demand projects from lawmakers anymore. We need transformers. We need boreholes etc. They cannot see governors or ministers. It’s us they will see.
“And the thing is we are not given this money. We are asked to pick projects worth the project allocated to us. For example, I can nominate project worth N78m per year. And that is on paper. The contractor will pay tax and also profit. So let’s say N50m per year.
“Let’s now say 50% of the budget is executed, which happens, that is about 25m project for a year. So I can say build these classrooms for this particular school and that is it. I will be VERY GLAD if we are no more given constituency projects.”
The lawmaker also revealed that he had to give constituents money to avoid his name being tarnished.
“However, constituents should only judge us by our activities on the floor of the house. If you go to my Facebook page, people will ask me, how many projects have you initiated and executed since you got there. I will say look at my motions and bills. They will laugh.
“Then, I start going round with my money and donating to communities so they don’t spoil my name. I’m not complaining because I asked to be here. But I just like to say things as they are.”
Annually, N100billion is allocated in the appropriations bill for projects nominated by the members of the National Assembly.