A socio-political advocacy group, the Calabar South Professionals for Good Governance, has called on the representative of the Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Joseph Bassey, to give a detailed public account of constituency projects allegedly worth over ₦1.505 billion for the 2025 fiscal year.
In a statement signed by its Convener, Edet Asuquo, the group expressed dissatisfaction over what it described as weak representation and rising concerns about transparency in the execution of constituency intervention projects linked to the lawmaker.
While acknowledging some reported interventions—such as a free medical outreach and the construction of a classroom block at Edgerly Ballantyne Memorial Primary School—the group argued that these efforts fall far short of the scale of funds reportedly allocated to the constituency.
It insisted that residents of Calabar South deserve “visible, measurable and verifiable development,” stressing that public accountability cannot be replaced with publicity or ceremonial announcements.
The group further claimed that its review of publicly available information revealed gaps in transparency around several projects, including a ₦300 million food distribution programme, ₦77 million grants for market women and youths, and a ₦200 million empowerment scheme targeting women and young people.
It noted that there are no accessible records such as beneficiary lists, disbursement details, or implementation reports to confirm how the funds were used.
Questions were also raised about a ₦250 million solar streetlight project and a ₦100 million solar borehole scheme, with the group alleging that many residents are unaware of project locations, contractors, or commissioning updates.
Similarly, it expressed concerns over reported allocations for a ₦30 million mental health awareness programme and a ₦30 million agricultural value chain training scheme, saying there is little evidence of where these initiatives were carried out or who benefited.
The group also challenged claims of emergency cash support and welfare-related interventions, insisting that no verifiable documentation has been provided to support such programmes.
It accused the lawmaker of engaging in what it called “symbolic politics,” arguing that genuine representation must go beyond media announcements.
The statement also criticized attempts to attribute state government projects executed under Governor Bassey Otu to federal constituency projects.
“This misrepresentation must stop,” the group stated.
Finally, the group demanded full disclosure of all constituency funds received, contractor details, project locations, implementation timelines, beneficiary lists, and independent completion reports. It also called on oversight bodies, civil society organisations, and the media to investigate the projects in the interest of accountability.
It concluded that public office is a trust, insisting that every public fund must be properly accounted for.
