The Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Okon, has dismissed rumours circulating across the country that federal lawmakers were given N1 billion each in cash for constituency projects under the 2025 budget.
He made this statement during a media chat while marking his mid-term performance in Uyo on Monday, June 16, 2025.
“It is important that I correct a popular misconception which has gained traction across the country.
“Members are alleged to have been given N1 billion cash each for constituency projects in the 2025 Budget, there is no such thing.
“Each federal constituency is allowed constituency projects to the tune of N1 billion in the 2025 budget, the only difference this time is that the projects’ total worth was increased to N1 billion from N200 million.
“Also, I repeat, no member executes or administers the projects, that is the duty of the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies where these projects are domiciled,” he added.
Okon stated that the N1.7 billion being mentioned in public discussions represents the total value of constituency projects he attracted for Itu/Ibiono Ibom under the 2024 budget, and not a personal allocation.
Presenting his mid-term scorecard, the federal member detailed his achievements in legislation, oversight, and representation.
In the area of legislation, Okon said he sponsored and co-sponsored several bills and motions, including those seeking to establish regulatory boards for metallurgical and biomedical engineers, pushed for the amendment of the Companies and Allied Matters Act and the Industrial Training Fund Act.
He raised motions on the rehabilitation of the Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road, discrimination between HND and BSc holders in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the urgent need to decongest correctional centres.
On oversight, he disclosed that he served as the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Inter-Governmental Affairs and is a member of other committees, including Gas Resources, Healthcare Services, HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control, Host Communities, Hydrological Services, Works, Disabilities, and House Services.
In terms of representation, the lawmaker highlighted the construction of roads and school blocks, installation of solar-powered street lights, boreholes, and the building of civic centres across Itu and Ibiono Ibom.
The Federal Member mentioned the provision of free medical outreach, bursaries to over 300 students ( 50 thousand naira each), and a N200,000 bursary to 18 Nigerian Law School students.
Also, the lawmaker noted that four vehicles, including an SUV, were donated to constituents, and equipment such as digital vulcanising machines and water pumping machines were distributed.
Regarding employment opportunities for his constituents, Okon said he facilitated job placements in institutions such as the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Federal Fire Service.
The legislator added that he supported the wives of fallen heroes with a N500,000 donation to establish a cooperative society, provided medical bills to over 800 constituents and supported in rent, school fees, and general welfare needs.
Furthermore, the lawmaker facilitated a visit by engineers from the Federal Ministry of Environment to erosion sites within the constituency.
Hon. Okon confirmed that the projects already executed were captured in the 2024 budget, and more projects, including solar-powered street lights and boreholes, erosion control measures, road construction, and additional classroom blocks, have been listed in the 2025 budget and are at various stages of procurement, award, and rollout.
He also announced plans to embark on a human capital empowerment programme in the last quarter of the year, targeting skills development and economic support for constituents.
While appealing to his constituents to support him as he continues his work in the legislature, Okon also called for similar backing for Governor Umo Eno, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and other federal legislators.
