Citizens’ Forum Petitions EFCC Over Alleged Diversion of Constituency Project Funds in Jibia, Kaita
The Citizens’ Accountability and Governance Forum (CAGF) has submitted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging massive mismanagement and diversion of multi-billion naira constituency project funds in Jibia and Kaita Federal Constituency.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Katsina on Saturday, the Forum, under the leadership of Comrade Shamsuddeen Salisu Na Alhaji Jibiya, said the petition seeks a forensic audit of all constituency project allocations to the area from 2019 to date.
According to the group, billions of naira have been allocated over the years for key projects covering roads, water supply including the Jibia Dam healthcare facilities, schools, and empowerment programmes. However, many of these projects, they alleged, remain either non-existent, abandoned, or grossly inflated, failing to deliver any tangible benefit to the people.
The petition, received and acknowledged by the EFCC, specifically calls for:
1. A comprehensive forensic audit of all constituency project funds in Jibia and Kaita.
2. Full disclosure of contracts and contractors.
3. Investigation, recovery of diverted funds, and prosecution of those found culpable.
4. Community-based monitoring of future constituency projects.
CAGF stressed that constituency projects are meant to bridge the gap between government and citizens, not to serve as channels for corruption and personal enrichment.
“We assure the public that the Forum will follow up this petition to ensure accountability, transparency, and justice,” the statement read.
Also speaking at the briefing, Comrade Ibrahim Muazu Dankama, a member of the Forum from Kaita Local Government, said the petition became necessary following long-standing concerns about poor execution of constituency projects in the area.
“This is not the first time such concerns are being raised. In the past, the Kaita Political Movement Forum submitted a similar petition to the ICPC,” Dankama noted. “We believe it is time for proper investigation into how constituency funds are being managed in Jibia and Kaita.”
The Forum urged EFCC to act swiftly in addressing the petition, while reaffirming its commitment to promoting accountability and good governance in Katsina State.
