By Musa Isa Ahmed
Adamawa State House of Assembly has applauded Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, for releasing the sum of #40 million each to all the 25 Honourable Members of the state Assembly.
According to the Honourable House, the constituency project fund was not given to the members in cash, instead it was released to state ministries that will excute the projects as sited by members.
The Hallowed Chamber further explained that the money is not in the personal accounts of the Legislators, but in the accounts of various ministries who after due process will award contract for the execution of constituency projects to various construction companies.
No Honourable Member, according to the Assembly, will have access to the allowances on personal basis, but expected to forward lists of projects of their choice and its location for execution by the relevant ministries, insisting that the only role every member will play is to supervise so as to ensure that quality job is carried out.
The Chairman House Standing Committee on Information and Member representing Gombi constituency, Hon. Japhet Kefas, made the clarification while fielding questions from newsmen in his office on Wednesday.
Hon. Kefas thanked Governor Fintiri whom he described as ATM, visionary and focused Governor for releasing the money for the execution of projects at their various constituencies, saying this will enable them fulfill some of their campaign promises to their people.
He said that it is provided by the Constitution that constituency allowances be given to both State and National Assembly Members, saying that the money is not meant to be shared, but to provide constituency projects as promised to electorate during electioneering campaign.
According to him, it can be used to provide portable water supply, electrification project, construct or renovate schools, health centers, rehabilitate rural roads, empower constituents, award scholarship and host of other constituency activities.
The Legislator further explained that it is not the member that will embark on the execution of the project but will liaise with the ministry of his choice to carry out the project.
He pointed out that the ministries concern are ready to carry out all the procurement process as provided by law before embarking on the execution of the projects to their teeming electorate.
