Lawmakers from Ekiti State in the National Assembly have been urged to provide more responsive and people-focused representation to their constituents.
The call was made in Ado Ekiti during the presentation of a citizens’ report on the performance of federal lawmakers representing Ekiti North Senatorial District, organised by the Justice Development and Peace Initiative (JDPI) of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council.
The report, presented by JDPI Director, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Akingbade, assessed the activities of Senator Cyril Fasuyi, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi (Ikole/Oye Federal Constituency I), and Hon. Kolawole Akinlayo (Ido-Osi/Moba/Ilejemeje Federal Constituency II).
Akingbade explained that the findings were based on citizens’ feedback across the constituencies. He stressed that elected representatives must engage more actively with their people to deliver quality legislation and effective constituency projects.
While acknowledging some achievements in empowerment programmes and projects, Akingbade called for regular monitoring of contractors and agencies to ensure proper implementation of budgeted projects.
“The system of democracy we practice is participation through representation. This requires constant engagement between lawmakers and their constituents. Without it, representatives risk serving only themselves and their associates,” he said.
The JDPI recommended that lawmakers adopt a structured framework for regular citizens’ engagement, ensuring that nominated constituency projects reflect the real needs of the people.
It further noted that with current provisions, senators can nominate projects worth ₦2 billion annually, while members of the House of Representatives can nominate projects worth ₦1 billion annually, stressing that citizens must demand accountability on how these funds are utilised.
In his remarks, NUJ Ekiti Chairman, Kayode Babatuyi, reaffirmed the media’s constitutional role in holding leaders accountable. He said the NUJ-JDPI partnership aims to highlight gaps in representation constructively, without targeting the personalities of the lawmakers.
Both organisations urged the electorate to remain vigilant and continue asking their representatives critical questions to promote transparency and good governance.
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