An Ogoni group known as the Indigenous Youth Leaders Council has accused some federal lawmakers of fraud.
Barry Mpigi and Maurice Pronem, were alleged to have fraudulently diverted N400m from un-executed constituency projects in Rivers south-east senatorial district.
Mpigi and Pronem, were alleged by the group to have taken delivery of the sum as project specifications aligned with their constituencies.
The group in a petition urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite action geared at enthroning accountability in government.
The petition with reference number; 2019/1401/KGEOT-RSESD/EFCC001/FCPS written by the group and addressed to Ibrahim Magu, acting executive chairman of EFCC, demandeded that the matter be given adequate attention to serve as a warning against impunity in society.
The petition was signed by Augustine Nkerelo, an activist and community leader in the area alongside twenty three other members.
It appealed to the EFCC to ensure thorough investigation and quick recovery of the said funds to help execute laudable projects that meet the yearnings of the people of the area.
According to the petition: “Projects estimated to cost more than N400m were funded by the federal government for the Rivers south-east senatorial district, specifically for certain villages or locations in Khana/Gokana federal constituency, and Eleme/Oyigbo/Tai federal constituency.
“We the undersigned, as individuals strongly protest the lack of transparency concerning these federal constituency projects.
“As concerned citizens and voters, we seek action by the EFCC; as individuals, and as a matter of individual right, and separately, for the common good.
“We tender this petition to trigger the enforcement of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act of 2002 (or as may have been amended) as part of Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.”
Nkerelo urged the EFCC to carry out a wider investigation to fish out other lawmakers who might be connected to the alleged N400 million un-executed constituency projects or other projects in that regard.
As part of investigations, Nkerelo said that though one of the projects was channeled towards capacity development for teachers in Eleme, Oyigbo and Tai local government areas, not even a seminar had yet been conducted to assist and improve the teachers.
He also alleged that Mpigi, when confronted on the matter by the group, had particularly boasted on how fast their agitation for accountability would be swept under the carpet as soon as he is re-elected and his party, the PDP, or when it takes over power at the centre.
