EFCC Quizzes Rivers Lawmakers Over N5bn Projects

By Ali M. Ali, Abuja
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), last week interrogated 28 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly over an alleged misappropriation of N5 billion meant for constituency projects.

THISDAY gathered that the money was part of funds earmarked for projects in some constituencies of the state, but it is alleged that some of the members waived the projects while those projects that were executed fell below the required standard.

“They've been collecting money without using it for projects they are meant for. Those who carried out one project or the other at all, contracted the them to themselves. In such cases, the projects do not account for the volume of money collected. We invited them to look into these allegations”, sources in the Commission informed THISDAY.

THISDAY checks also revealed that the legislators turned up at the Commission for questioning in batches.

Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Tonye Willie Harrry and the Majority Leader, Hon. Chidi Lloyd, visited the Commission's headquarters on Monday, June 29, while 12 other members made their appearance on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, July 1, 13 members of the Assembly were quizzed while one other member honoured the invitation on Friday, 3 July.

Although the 28 members were released on bail, investigation is ongoing as the EFCC operatives have moved to the next level of checking contracts executed so far, to determine the fact of the allegations.

When contacted on the matter, EFCC Spokesman, Femi Babafami confirmed the invitation but declined further comment as to the reason behind it.

C. Thisday