The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has come to the defense of Abia North Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, dismissing allegations that he received N14.286 billion in constituency project funds as misleading and politically motivated. In a press release, COSEYL described the claims by Labour Party senatorial candidate Chief David Ogba Onuoha, also known as Bourdex, as intellectually deficient. The group emphasized that Senators do not receive federal constituency project funds into their personal custody to execute projects.
COSEYL explained that the National Assembly's role is limited to lawmaking, representation, oversight, and participation in the budgetary and appropriation process. The group clarified that when constituents identify needs such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, their representatives can facilitate the inclusion of such interventions in the national budget. However, the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are responsible for procurement, award, supervision, and execution of projects.
The youth coalition challenged Bourdex to produce documentary evidence showing that N14.286 billion was transferred into Kalu's personal account, constituency account, or any account under his direct control. COSEYL argued that if Bourdex cannot provide such evidence, his claims amount to nothing more than political theatrics. The group noted that a budgetary allocation to a federal project is not the same as money handed to a legislator, and an appropriation is not evidence of personal receipt.
COSEYL advised Bourdex to direct questions on abandoned or delayed projects to the appropriate executing MDAs and oversight institutions. The group asked which MDA was responsible, which contractor was awarded, and what amount was appropriated, released, and paid. COSEYL also pointed out that Bourdex previously served as Chairman of Ohafia Local Government Area and should understand the difference between appropriation and execution.
The group noted that if Bourdex seeks genuine accountability, his own record in office, including resources available to his administration and projects undertaken in Ohafia, should also be placed on the examination table. COSEYL emphasized that Senator Kalu's interventions in education, infrastructure, empowerment, employment, healthcare, and community development are visible across Abia North, and that constituents can distinguish between propaganda and performance.
COSEYL cautioned political actors against turning ordinary political engagement into allegations of financial misconduct without credible evidence. The group insisted that a senator does not award federal contracts or operate a federal ministry. COSEYL added that if a man aspiring to occupy the Senate cannot accurately distinguish between the legislative function of appropriation and the executive function of project implementation, Nigerians are entitled to ask whether he sufficiently understands the institution he seeks to join.
The defense of Senator Kalu by COSEYL comes as the 2027 elections approach, with various stakeholders vying for positions. The group urged politicians to engage in issue-based campaigns rather than making unfounded allegations. COSEYL's statement has sparked reactions from various quarters, with many calling for more transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
Key points
- COSEYL challenges Bourdex to provide evidence of N14.286 billion transfer to Senator Kalu's account.
- The group clarifies the role of the National Assembly in budgetary and appropriation processes.
- COSEYL advises Bourdex to direct questions on abandoned projects to executing MDAs and oversight institutions.
