ICPC, others verify constituency projects executed in Abia

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, Foundation for Environmental, Advocacy and Development and ActionAid Nigeria, yesterday confirmed that the immediate past representative of Abia North in the Senate, Chief Mao Ohubunwa, executed projects in the zone while in office.

Ohubunwa had been alleged to have connived with some contractors to divert the money meant for projects in his constituency, but the
ICPC, FENRAD and ActionAid insisted that the ex-lawmaker used the funds for the purpose they were meant.

A statement by Mr Steven Obi of the Owerri Zonal Office of the ICPC; Mr Ukeme Jacob of the Abuja branch of ActionAid; and Comrade Nelson Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD, said the team verified the projects after an assessment tour of Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwusto, Ohafia and Umunneochi.

“We noted that the beneficiaries of some of the projects and empowerment programmes of the senator had become self-reliant according to their testimonies during our interactions with them,” the statement said.

It added, “The exercise is in tandem with the ICPC’s requirements and represent our position on open governance and accountability in line with principles of Open Government Partnership and Participatory Governance.”

The three civil society groups urged political office holders, especially lawmakers, to ensure equitable distribution and execution of their constituency projects to enhance accountability and equitability in governance.