Ukodhiko Assures Uzere of Constituency Projects, Dismisses Allegations of Exclusion ~ Truth Reporters

 

The Office of Rep. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko has responded to concerns raised by the Uzere Community Development Union over constituency projects in Isoko North and Isoko South Federal Constituency, assuring that there has been no deliberate exclusion or discrimination against the community.

In a statement issued on behalf of the lawmaker, the office said Rep. Ukodhiko holds Uzere Community in high esteem and remains committed to equitable distribution of constituency projects across all wards and communities within the federal constituency. 

The statement explained that the limited budgetary allocation available to members of the House of Representatives makes it impossible to execute projects in all communities within a single budget cycle.

According to the statement, the office adopted a phased approach to project execution, guided by annual budgetary provisions, statutory procedures and the principle of fairness, to ensure that every ward and community benefits from at least one constituency project within Rep. Ukodhiko’s tenure.

The office further noted that Uzere Community has already benefited from interventions facilitated by the lawmaker, adding that several indigenes have also participated in and benefited from empowerment programmes initiated by his office.

While acknowledging the legitimate expectations of the Uzere people for more visible development projects, Rep. Ukodhiko assured that such projects would be delivered in due course. 

He specifically guaranteed that Uzere Community and other Isoko communities yet to benefit from project execution would receive constituency projects before the end of the 2026 budget year, in line with his campaign promises and commitment to the collective interest of the Isoko people.

Providing further clarification, the statement disclosed that since Rep. Ukodhiko’s inauguration in June 2023, only the 2024 budget cycle has been fully passed, assented to and implemented, with members allowed to nominate projects valued at ₦314 million, an amount that could only accommodate projects in about three communities. 

It added that although members were later permitted to nominate projects worth ₦1 billion in the 2025 budget, the budget was not funded, repealed, and re-enacted at 70 per cent as the 2026 budget.

Despite these challenges, the office said some projects captured under the repealed 2025 budget were still executed based on community needs, demonstrating the lawmaker’s determination to deliver tangible benefits to his constituents.

Rep. Ukodhiko expressed appreciation to Uzere Community for its continued support and constructive engagement, reaffirming his commitment to fairness, inclusiveness and the progressive delivery of democratic dividends to all communities in Isoko Federal Constituency. 

He also appealed for patience, sustained dialogue and cooperation in the collective interest of peace, unity and sustainable development in Isoko land.