A/Ibom Deputy Speaker Laments Inadequate Allocation For Constituency Projects

The deputy speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Kufre Abasi Edidem, has cried out that despite huge allocations accruable to the state from the federation account, members of the State House House of Assembly have not been adequately funded for effective constituency projects execution across the 26 state constituencies.

LEADERSHIP Weekend gathered that the state governor, Umo Eno, had increased the monthly imprest of the lawmakers from ₦2.5 million to N3.5 million upon his assumption of office, but the Itu representative argued that the prevailing economic realities had significantly eroded the value of the cash in spite of the increase.

Edidem pointed out that the additional ₦1 million had become less impactful due to rising costs of goods and services, making it increasingly difficult for lawmakers to meet the financial expectations of their constituents.

He made the disclosure while serving as the chairman of the occasion at the 2026 Chapel Week celebration of the Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, held at the Patience Umo Eno Hall, Uyo.

However, the two-term lawmaker observed that the purchasing power of the allocation had declined considerably compared with what the same amount could achieve in 2019.

He explained that the rising cost of living had increased the financial burden on elected representatives, making it difficult for them to provide the level of assistance expected by their constituents.

According to him, some lawmakers had resorted to dipping into their personal savings to bridge the gap between their monthly allocations and the growing demands of their constituencies.

Edidem’s remarks highlighted the challenges facing public office holders in balancing their statutory responsibilities with the increasing financial expectations of constituents amid prevailing economic pressures.

The 2026 Chapel Week celebration was held under the theme, “Journalism: Promoting Responsible Leadership, Accountability and Electoral Credibility.”

Dr George Udoh delivered a presentation on the theme, “Examining the Role of Journalism in Promoting Responsible Leadership, Accountability and Credible Electoral Processes.”

In his remarks, the chairman of the NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, underscored the importance of journalism to societal progress, noting that the media plays a critical role in informing citizens, promoting accountability and advancing democratic values

John urged journalists to uphold professional standards, maintain ethical conduct and use their platforms to promote responsible leadership and strengthen democratic institutions.