By Aaron Ossai
The Office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives has dismissed claims by civic organization “TrackNG” concerning the construction and furnishing of an ultra-modern conference and e-learning facility at Bende Secondary Grammar School in Abia State, describing the report as misleading and politically motivated.
In a statement issued by Udora Orizu, Special Assistant on Press Affairs to the Deputy Speaker, the office clarified that lawmakers are only responsible for attracting developmental projects to their constituencies, while the execution and supervision of such projects remain the duty of relevant government agencies under the executive arm.
The statement noted that although the office would ordinarily ignore the publication, it considered it necessary to respond in order to prevent the public from being deceived by what it described as a “politically motivated narrative.”
It also questioned the decision to use the Deputy Speaker’s image in connection with a project for which he has no implementation or supervisory responsibility.
The office called on the appropriate procuring agency to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure accountability from whoever handled the contract.
According to the statement, the major concern of the Deputy Speaker’s office is that the project is completed and delivered for the benefit of the people.
The statement further clarified that the initial reference to Bende Secondary Grammar School as the project location was an error because the school already has an ICT centre. It explained that the project was originally intended for Onuinyang, and that a corrigendum had since been issued to correct the location.
