A concerned Bayelsa citizen from the central senatorial district of the state, Mr Denning Ebi Akori has called out his senator, Kombowei Benson, asking him for records on what his office has received on behalf of the people, for the purpose of constituency development, in the last two years.
Relying on the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, Akori said he was aware that the federal government pays what he calls constituency development allocations/allowances to all members of the National Assembly and therefore asked that his senator renders account of what he has received and spent so far.
His letter was sent to Benson and a copy sent to the senate president, Senator Godswill Akpabio. In it, he said “sequel to your oath of office to protect and promote the interest of the good people of Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, 1 hereby humbly write seeking a detailed accounting of constituency allocations and/or allowance received by your office from 2023 fiscal year till date, for the good people of Bayelsa Central Senatorial District.
“On my part as an indigene of Bayelsa State, specifically of Bayelsa central Senatorial District which you represent, I have contributed immensely in Economic Development of the state through several business endeavors and in no small measure continued to educate the good people of Bayelsa Central Senatorial District of their civil rights and duties.
“On the other hand, there is no gainsaying that members of the National Assembly receives constituency development allowances on behalf of their constituents to fund developmental projects in their constituencies. I have cause to believe that a significant portion of these funds, held in trust for the Bayelsa Central senatorial district are misappropriated or embezzled by the representatives concerned.
“Hence this Letter, seeking your indulgence for a detailed accounting of constituency development allocations and/or allowance received by your office from 2023 fiscal year till date received on behalf of the good people of Bayelaa Central Senatorial District. The information sought could be mailed or sent to the address and email as provided above.
“It is my prayer that wise counsel prevail. However, in the unlikely event that you refuse, fail, or neglect to provide me with the requested information, within Z (Seven) Days of receipt of this letter, I will be minded to take all necessary steps to compel you to comply, as permitted by law.”
