FCT Igbo Community Seeks EFCC Probe of Kalu Over N700m Church Refurbishment Budget

By Our Correspondent

The Igbo Community Association (ICA), Federal Capital Territory, has condemned the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, over reports that more than N700 million was inserted into the national budget for the maintenance and refurbishment of churches in his constituency, calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the allocation.

The association, which said it represents the Igbo population resident in the FCT and has been registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) since 1998, described the development as disturbing and inconsistent with the expectations of public office.

In a statement jointly signed by its President General, Nze (Engr.) Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, and Secretary General, Mazi Chinwoke Emmanuel Onah, the association expressed disappointment that the Deputy Speaker, whom it described as the highest-ranking political office holder of Igbo extraction in the Federal Government, publicly defended the budgetary provision.

According to the statement, the association was concerned that such a large sum was earmarked for the renovation of unnamed churches at a time when many communities in the South-East, particularly in Abia State, face serious socio-economic and infrastructural challenges.

“It is deeply disappointing that at a time when Abia State is confronted with economic hardship, insecurity and deteriorating public infrastructure, such a huge public expenditure would be prioritised for the repainting and refurbishment of churches,” the statement said.

The association argued that schools across Abia State require urgent infrastructural rehabilitation, while teachers, healthcare facilities and social welfare programmes also deserve greater government attention.

It further maintained that Nigeria is a secular state and that scarce public resources should be directed towards projects with broader developmental impact rather than what it described as cosmetic renovation of religious institutions.

ICA FCT also questioned the transparency surrounding the budgetary allocation, expressing concern that such insertions could potentially serve purposes other than those publicly stated.

Consequently, the association called on the EFCC and other relevant anti-corruption agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the budget insertion and the proposed disbursement of the funds.

It also urged the Deputy Speaker to refocus his legislative priorities on projects that would directly improve the welfare of his constituents and address pressing developmental needs in the South-East.

“The South-East can no longer afford what appears to be a disconnect between the needs of the people and the priorities of those elected to represent them,” the statement added.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the office of the Deputy Speaker to the concerns raised by the association.