Plateau Ex- Speaker Challenges Rep Gagdi to Disclose Constituency Funds

Plateau Ex-Speaker Challenges Rep Gagdi to Disclose Constituency Funds

 

 

 

Former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Dewan Kudangbena Gabriel, has called on the member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, to publicly declare the constituency intervention funds allocated to his constituency following the removal of the fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu.

 

In an open letter addressed to Gagdi, Dewan admonished the federal lawmaker to refrain from publicly criticizing state governors, particularly Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for allegedly mismanaging increased federal allocations.

 

Gabriel emphasized that if Gagdi claims that governors are receiving extra funds from federal allocations, he too, as a federal lawmaker, should disclose the additional constituency funds allocated for projects in his area.

 

He wrote:

 

“Permit me to ask one simple but sincere question: Does the removal of fuel subsidy only lead to an increase in state allocations? Can we also be honest enough to talk about the increased constituency intervention funds of members of the National Assembly since the subsidy removal? Why do we keep pointing accusing fingers at state governors without equally explaining the upward review of the National Assembly’s budget and the interventions attached to each constituency?”

 

Gabriel further stated that transparency in governance should be consistent and not selective. He disclosed that during his tenure as Speaker, the Plateau State House of Assembly publicly announced constituency interventions for 2024 and pledged to do so for 2025 once released.

 

“Even as your junior colleague in the Plateau State House of Assembly, I can boldly say that our constituency interventions have been increased. I publicly announced the 2024 constituency intervention during my time as Speaker, and I will do the same for 2025 when it is released. That is accountability to the people who elected us,” he added.

 

The former Speaker concluded the letter by wishing Gagdi a productive week and reiterating the need for transparency in reporting constituency funds.