Obika Chinedu, the Labour Party member of the House of Representatives for the Bwari/AMAC Federal Constituency of the FCT, has called for constituency projects to be removed from the responsibilities of federal lawmakers.
In an exclusive interview, Hon. Chinedu stated that the “greatest harm” inflicted upon the legislative branch is the concept of the constituency project, which he “hate[s].” He insisted that the only way for Nigeria to “recover” is by stripping legislators of this project role.
The lawmaker argued that community projects are “not our business” and that legislators should only be involved in supervising the agencies whose job it is to execute them. He believes this practice has mistakenly turned lawmakers into executives.
According to him, the focus on projects has caused a major distraction, with people constantly demanding infrastructure instead of prioritizing effective lawmaking or constitutional reforms that would improve lives. He pointed out that this system creates inequality, as opposition or less-connected lawmakers who cannot attract projects are often deemed failures by their constituents, even if they are dedicated to their legislative work. He concluded that this situation has led to people who are ill-suited for the National Assembly being elected purely for their ability to secure project funding.
Hon. Chinedu claims that this situation has fostered a public misconception, where Nigerians hold legislators accountable for duties that rightfully belong to the executive arm of government. He noted that many constituents approach lawmakers with demands that should be directed at the executive, leading to pressure and causing some legislators to avoid their communities due to the overwhelming, unmet requests.
Regarding the FCT, the lawmaker disclosed that the House of Representatives approved a substantial budget of over N1.8 trillion this year for infrastructure projects in the capital city, asserting that the FCT has sufficient funds for development without legislative interference. He stated, “We are not supposed to be going here and there doing this. That has rubbished legislation.”
On the matter of recent defections by opposition figures to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Chinedu stated that it is a personal choice under a multiparty system. However, he reaffirmed his loyalty to the Labour Party (LP), saying, “I am a Labour Party man and I remain in the party until our leader says otherwise.”
Finally, addressing the security challenges in the FCT, the representative acknowledged that “security men are trying their best” given the resources available. He advocated for the creation of an FCT Independent Police Force, which would allow a percentage of the FCT’s revenue to be dedicated to security, ensuring the capital city is adequately protected.
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