POLITICS
“₦350 Million Is Only an Initial Tranche, Not Full Allocation” — Rivers Lawmaker, Obenachi Onwuka Breaks Silence on Constituency Project Fund Controversy, Alleges Withheld ₦650 Million Amid Executive–Legislative Tensions
Hon. Ignatius Obenachi Onwuka, the lawmaker representing Etche Constituency I in the Rivers State House of Assembly, has clarified the growing controversy surrounding the alleged release of ₦350 million to state lawmakers for constituency projects, insisting that the amount is only a fraction of what was originally approved.
According to a report by the Nigerian Tribune on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Onwuka addressed the issue while speaking at a ward meeting with his constituents, where he confirmed that the ₦350 million was indeed received. However, he stressed that the sum represents only an initial tranche of the ₦1 billion earmarked for each legislator’s constituency projects for the year.
The lawmaker explained that the outstanding ₦650 million was expected to be released by the Rivers State Government after the governor resumed duties following the declaration of a state of emergency. He noted, however, that the balance has not been disbursed, leaving many constituency projects in limbo.
Onwuka further alleged that despite the state having more than ₦600 billion at its disposal, the governor has continued to withhold the remaining funds, a situation he said has stalled development projects across several constituencies, including Etche Constituency I.
Linking the funding impasse to political developments within the Assembly, Onwuka suggested that the delay may be connected to the House’s decision to initiate impeachment proceedings, describing it as a collective resolution taken by the legislative leadership.
He emphasized that the ₦350 million currently available is grossly inadequate to execute the scale of projects earlier outlined for his constituency, resulting in stalled or unexecuted interventions meant to benefit local communities.
The lawmaker’s remarks underscore the difficulties facing Rivers State legislators in delivering grassroots development amid delays in the release of approved funds. Constituents present at the meeting were briefed on the status of ongoing and proposed projects, with particular emphasis on the financial constraints affecting their implementation.
The disclosure has reignited debate over constituency project funding in Rivers State, raising broader concerns about fiscal management, inter-branch relations, and the impact of delayed allocations on development at the grassroots level. It also highlights the growing tension between the executive arm of government and lawmakers over the timely release of funds approved for constituency-based projects.