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ASCA chiefs during a media briefing
By MAXWELL GOLD EMEKA, Lagos
A group working under the name of Anambra State Constituents Assembly (ASCA) has accused Senator Victor Umeh and other National Assembly representatives from Anambra Central Senatorial District of failing to provide transparency and accountability in the handling of constituency projects estimated at N11 billion.
The Assembly has threatened the elected federal lawmakers with a recall if proper accountability on the projects was not rendered.
ASCA made this allegation in its press statement dated March 21, 2025, and signed by the Chairman, Chidi Lucky Kanu, the Coordinator, Uche C. Nwogwugwu, and the Secretary, Ceaser Sams Obidile on their headed paper on Friday.
Additionally, the group alleged that several projects under the 2024 Budget Appropriation Bill were either abandoned, poorly executed, or nonexistent.
ASCA in the statement cited the Alexander Onwumelu Okoye Road project, in which only 50 meters of a 2-kilometre stretch was completed, and the N480 million mini stadium in Agu Isi-Onye, which was abandoned after alleged contract irregularities.
The constituents further disclosed that despite inviting all elected representatives to a town hall meeting on February 28, 2025, at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Center in Awka, none of them attended.
Their absence, the group claimed, raised concerns over their commitment to accountability and engagement with constituents.
To address these issues, the Constituents Assembly announced the formation of a Constituency Development Committee (CDC) to monitor project implementation and push for greater transparency. The CDC will engage directly with elected officials and relevant agencies to ensure that funds allocated for constituency projects are properly utilized.
The group emphasised that elected representatives must be held accountable for constituency funds and urged community members to actively participate in monitoring government projects to prevent the diversion of public resources meant for development.