Scrap constituency projects to restore true lawmaking

Member of the representing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), , has called for the abolition of constituency projects, arguing that they have distracted lawmakers from their core responsibility of making laws.

In an exclusive interview with , the lawmaker lamented that legislators have become more focused on executing community projects rather than engaging in legislative work.

“The greatest harm done to the legislature is this thing called . I hate it,” he said. “The only way Nigeria can recover is by taking constituency projects away from legislators. Community projects are not our duty — we are meant to supervise, not execute. Lawmakers have now been turned into executives.”

Chinedu noted that lawmakers face constant demands from constituents for infrastructure such as roads and electricity, which are the responsibilities of the .

“Everywhere we go, people demand projects. Nobody is interested in lawmaking anymore or in that improve people’s lives. Everyone is busy struggling to attract one project or another, as if one constituency deserves more than the other,” he said.

He further criticized the imbalance in project allocations, saying that legislators in leadership positions or in the ruling party often have more influence and access to projects than those in the opposition.

“Some of our colleagues have more reach simply because of their positions or party affiliation. A hardworking legislator without such access is seen as a failure — but that’s not true. This system has hurt us badly,” he said.

According to him, lawmakers have shifted focus from debates and legislation to competing over small infrastructure projects like and , while “the country is wasting away.”

Nigerians now mistake lawmakers for executives — Chinedu

Chinedu also argued that the existence of constituency projects has blurred the lines between the roles of legislators and the executive arm of government.

“People now come to us with demands that should be directed to the executive. Instead of holding the executive accountable, they pressure legislators whose job is to make laws,” he said.

He added that the overwhelming expectations have made some lawmakers avoid their constituencies to escape unrealistic demands.

“Many legislators avoid their people because they cannot meet the constant requests. The communities don’t understand that those are not our duties,” he said.

FCT has ₦1.8 trillion for infrastructure — Lawmaker

The lawmaker disclosed that the House of Representatives approved over ₦1.8 trillion for infrastructural development in the FCT this year, noting that such massive allocation should relieve lawmakers from engaging in project execution.

“FCT has never had this kind of budget before. We supported and passed the bill to ensure accelerated development. We are not supposed to be running around doing projects — that has diminished the essence of legislation,” he stated.

I remain a member of the Labour Party — Chinedu

Commenting on recent defections by some opposition figures to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chinedu said politicians are free to switch parties, but affirmed his loyalty to the Labour Party (LP).

“I am a Labour Party man, and I’ll remain one until our leader decides otherwise. Those defecting have their reasons — that’s the essence of a multiparty system,” he said.

On insecurity in the FCT

Addressing security challenges in the capital city, Chinedu commended security agencies for their efforts but advocated for the creation of an to strengthen local security.

“People only see what happens publicly; they don’t know what has been prevented. Security officers are doing their best with what is available,” he said.

“That’s why I’m pushing for an FCT Independent Police Force. We can allocate a percentage of our revenue to enhance security and protect ,” he added.