By Our Correspondent
In a press statement signed by the leader of Zango-Kataf Youth for Progressive Development, Comrade John Shebayan, clarified that the ongoing construction of the Kibori–Kigudu–Sabon Kaura Bridge is a Federal Government project funded through the Ecological Fund, and not a project personally financed or constructed by Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji, member representing Zango-Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency.
The group described the bridge as a welcome intervention that would improve transportation, security response and economic activities across more than 20 communities affected by difficulties crossing River Kaduna, particularly during flooding and insecurity.
According to the youths, the project signboard at the construction site identifies the Ecological Fund Office as the client, indicating that the project is being funded and implemented through the appropriate Federal Government institutions.
The group explained that although lawmakers can attract development projects through advocacy, lobbying and representation, they do not constitutionally award contracts or execute public infrastructure projects.
It cited Sections 4 and 5 of the 1999 Constitution, which distinguish the responsibilities of the legislature from those of the executive, noting that the National Assembly makes laws, appropriates funds and exercises oversight, while the executive implements policies, awards contracts and executes public projects.
“If Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji played a role in bringing the project to the constituency, the proper description is that he facilitated, advocated for or lobbied for the project,” the statement said.
The group, however, cautioned against portraying publicly funded projects as personally executed by individual legislators, saying such claims could mislead the public about how government projects are funded and implemented.
It urged constituents to assess lawmakers based on legislation, effective representation, advocacy and oversight, rather than on the execution of functions constitutionally assigned to the executive.
The youths added that Hon. Amos Gwamna could legitimately claim credit for facilitating the project if he indeed advocated for its inclusion in the Federal Government’s intervention programme.
They called for transparency and accurate attribution of public projects to promote accountability and preserve the distinction between legislative and executive responsibilities.
