A recent constituency empowerment program run by Kelechi Nwogu, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency of Rivers State, has drawn criticism from the civic technology organization MonITNG.
ENigeria Newspaper obtained this in a report released by the group on Monday in which it described the programme as an inefficient use of public funds in light of the region’s deteriorating social infrastructure.
“This is Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, MHR, DSSRS, representing Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency, Rivers State, whose recent constituency empowerment exercise reportedly involved the distribution of luxury cars, motorcycles, sewing machines, hair dryers, cash support, and other items presented as ‘development’ interventions for constituents”, the report read.
MonITNG bemoaned the state of the schools and medical facilities in the Etche and Omuma areas, claiming that despite significant public spending, locals are still neglected.
“Across Etche and Omuma, many communities continue to face deeply pressing challenges. Schools remain in poor condition with inadequate learning materials, dilapidated classrooms, and limited access to quality education. Health centres are under-resourced, lacking basic equipment and essential staff, leaving residents to struggle for care that should be readily available within their communities.
MonITNG questioned the choice of Kelechi Nwogu to put consumables and automobiles ahead of long-term investments that could enhance the lives of a larger population.
“Against this backdrop, the prioritisation of cars and consumable items as empowerment raises serious questions about development priorities and whether constituency projects are truly addressing the most urgent needs of the people.
“Empowerment, in its real sense, should not be reduced to isolated distributions that benefit a select few.
“When public funds are used in ways that largely serve party structures or limited beneficiaries, it risks drifting away from the broader goal of inclusive and sustainable development.”
The organization claims that constituency initiatives were not intended to become what it called sporadic displays of benevolence, but rather to improve public institutions and close infrastructural shortages. Additionally, it stated that while some items distributed by Kelechi Nwogu could benefit individuals, they could not take the role of public infrastructure.
“Constituency projects are meant to close infrastructure gaps, strengthen public institutions, and improve access to essential services for all, not to be converted into episodic showcases of generosity.
“A sewing machine may support a livelihood, and a motorcycle may ease movement, but these cannot substitute for functioning schools, well-equipped hospitals, clean water systems, and lasting community infrastructure that serve entire populations.”
“The people of Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency, Rivers State, deserve development that is visible in their schools, their hospitals, their roads, and their daily lives, not just in periodic empowerment events.
“Public funds must remain a trust for collective progress, not selective distribution. Real representation is measured by impact, not display,” MonITNG added.
Kelechi Nwogu is a Nigerian politician at the House of Representatives level under the People’s Democratic Party.
