A citizen-led report tracking constituency projects has uncovered widespread irregularities, including frivolous budgeting, poor implementation, and the use of public projects for political patronage.

The report, unveiled at the Niger Delta Anti-Corruption Learning Summit, examined federal-level constituency projects to assess their impact on the people, conducted by Social Action.

According to Isaac Osuoka, Executive Director of Social Action, the report’s publication aimed to promote transparency and accountability in governance, ensuring that public resources are used effectively to benefit the people.

He said the report found that many projects were implemented in ways that did not meet the expectations of the people.

He noted that constituency projects have become tools for political patronage, used to settle favours rather than serve the public interest.

Osuoka stated that the report’s findings support discoveries made by government agencies like the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The report highlights the need for legislators to focus on their oversight functions and law-making responsibilities rather than being bogged down by constituency projects.

The report suggested that constituency projects distract legislators from their core responsibilities, leading to ineffective representation and poor governance.

Osuoka emphasised that the findings clearly express the need for reform and improved accountability in the management of constituency projects.