Rep. Ime Okon representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom federal constituency, presenting his midterm scorecard in Okoi Ita, Ibiono Ibom LGA of Akwa Ibom State.
By ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo–
Federal lawmaker, Ime Okon has clarified the controversy surrounding the reported N1 billion cash grant for constituency projects in the 2025 budget, describing such reports as “false and misleading.”
Okon, representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom federal constituency, explained that each federal constituency is allocated N1 billion for projects, but the execution and administration of these projects lie with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
“The only difference this time is that the projects’ total worth was increased to N1 billion from N200 million,” Okon stated while presenting his midterm scorecard in Okoi Ita, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
He emphasized that no member executes or administers the projects, contrary to what some reports might suggest.
Okon highlighted his achievements, including attracting over N1.7 billion worth of projects to his constituency from the 2024 budget.
Some of these projects include the construction and installation of street lights and drainage systems, provision of solar-powered boreholes in Afaha Itam, Itu Local Government Area, and the construction of a four-classroom block in Presbyterian Church Nigeria Primary School, North Itam.
Other notable projects mentioned by the lawmaker include the construction of a civic centre in Idoro community, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, provision of solar-powered street lights in Ikot Edok, and the construction of a six-classroom block in Technical College, Ayadehe, Itu Local Government Area.
Okon also mentioned providing free medical outreach services and paying bursaries to students, including N200,000 to 18 Nigerian Law School students from the constituency and over 300 other students.
Additionally, the lawmaker said he has provided sundry assistance to over 800 constituents for medical treatment, rent payments, school fees, sustenance, and other welfare needs.
He also facilitated the employment of constituents in federal and state establishments.
