A Bill to establish Constituencies Development Funds for the purposes of even Development of all Constituencies in the Federation; and for other connected purposes“ has passed second reading in the House of Representatives. According to the Bill sponsor, Hon. Solomon Adaelu (PDP: Abia), the Bill will address the need of the people at the grassroots and consolidate onthe gains of democracy in Nigeria.
Leading the debate at the House plenary on 2nd June, 2016, Hon. Adaelu illuminated that the Bill would address the needs of people by promoting a uniform level of development across the country to encompass its higherrural dweller population of 65% who often fail to access basic primary necessities and would benefit from the projects that the funds intend to provide. He also stated that the Bill was is in accordance with sections 13 and 14 of the 1999 constitution (as amended), which state the responsibilities of Government. He also urged the Federal Government to ensure that a benchmark of 2.5% is set aside in National Budget for constituency development.
Hon. Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje (PDP: Abia) also thought that the Bill would create legitimacy for the expenditure of constituency funds by addressing the negative perception of citizens who are of the opinion that funds allocated for constituency projects are embezzled by legislators. Nonetheless, she also expressed concerns that a failure in administration and disbursement of thefunds would failto achieve its stipulated objectives.
The Billwhich was unanimously adopted has been referred to the Committees on Constituency Outreach and Finance.
