Member of the House of Representatives representing Bwari/AMAC Federal Constituency of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Obika Chinedu, has called for the immediate scrapping of constituency projects, arguing that the initiative has derailed lawmakers from their primary legislative responsibilities.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, the Labour Party (LP) lawmaker described constituency projects as “the greatest harm” done to the National Assembly, lamenting that legislators are now seen as extensions of the executive arm of government rather than lawmakers.

“The greatest harm that has been done to the legislative arm of government is this particular thing called constituency project. I hate it,” he stated.
“Community projects are not our business; we should only go out to supervise those whose job it is. Legislators have been turned into executives.”

‘Constituency Projects Have Corrupted Legislative Purpose’

According to Akahi News findings, Hon. Chinedu stressed that Nigerians must remove constituency projects from the duties of lawmakers if the country hopes to restore legislative integrity and accountability. He argued that instead of focusing on lawmaking and policy debates, many legislators are now obsessed with lobbying for road construction, boreholes, and other projects that should ordinarily be handled by the executive.

He said the situation has created an unfair perception among constituents, where the performance of lawmakers is judged not by the quality of their contributions to legislation but by the number of projects they attract.

“People now hold legislators responsible for what the executives should do,” Chinedu said. “Everywhere we go, people keep demanding for one project or another. People are no longer interested in lawmaking or things that should be put into the Constitution to better their lives.”

He added that even dedicated lawmakers from opposition parties are often labelled as failures simply because they lack access to influential committees that attract constituency projects.

“That is why you see people who have no business being in the National Assembly today. Lawmakers are no longer talking about legislation; we can no longer debate issues. Everybody is running to put satellites and boreholes, and the country is wasting away.”

‘FCT Has Enough Budget for Infrastructure’

In defending his position, the lawmaker pointed out that the Federal Capital Territory already enjoys robust funding for development projects. He revealed that the House of Representatives recently approved a record ₦1.8 trillion for FCT infrastructural projects this year.

“FCT has never had the kind of budget provisions that it has this time. As lawmakers, we supported and passed the law so that we can have accelerated development. We are not supposed to be going here and there doing these projects. That has rubbished legislation.”

‘I Remain a Proud Labour Party Member’

Addressing the wave of defections by some opposition politicians to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Chinedu reaffirmed his loyalty to the Labour Party, insisting he has no plans to leave.

“I am a Labour Party man and I remain in the party until our leader says otherwise. Those defecting are exercising their choice — that’s why we have a multiparty system in Nigeria.”

On FCT Security: ‘We Need an Independent Police Force’

On the security situation in Abuja, the lawmaker commended security agencies for their efforts but called for the creation of an FCT Independent Police Force to address the growing challenges of banditry and kidnapping.

“People complain about insecurity because they only see what happens at a particular time; they don’t know what was prevented. The security men are trying their best with what they have. That’s why I’m advocating for an FCT Independent Police Force so we can use part of our revenue to strengthen security in the capital city.”

Hon. Chinedu’s remarks have reignited public debate on the relevance and effectiveness of constituency projects, a policy that has long stirred controversy over corruption, duplication of roles, and blurred lines between legislative and executive responsibilities.

Thanks. By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News