Ukodhiko Explains Budget Limits, Promises Uzere Projects By 2026
Ukodhiko Responds to Uzere’s Concerns Over Constituency Projects
THE Office of Rep. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko has responded to concerns raised by the Uzere Community Development Union over alleged exclusion from constituency projects, assuring that no community within Isoko North and Isoko South Federal Constituency has been deliberately sidelined.
In a statement released by the lawmaker’s office, it was emphasized that Rep. Ukodhiko values Uzere Community and remains committed to fairness, inclusiveness and balanced development across all wards and communities in the constituency.
Explanation of Project Distribution Process
The statement explained that constituency projects are executed within the limits of annual budgetary allocations approved by the National Assembly. According to the office, the funds available to members of the House of Representatives are insufficient to accommodate projects in every community within a single budget year.
As a result, Rep. Ukodhiko’s office said it adopted a phased and transparent approach to project nomination and execution, ensuring that communities benefit progressively over the course of his tenure. This method, the statement added, is guided by statutory procedures and the principle of equity.
Past Benefits to Uzere Community
Addressing claims of exclusion, the office disclosed that Uzere Community has already benefited from several interventions facilitated by the lawmaker. It noted that a number of Uzere indigenes have also been beneficiaries of empowerment programmes initiated by Rep. Ukodhiko, aimed at supporting skills acquisition and economic empowerment.
While recognizing the desire of the Uzere people for more visible development projects, the statement said the lawmaker understands their expectations and considers them legitimate.
Commitment to Deliver Outstanding Projects
Rep. Ukodhiko assured that Uzere Community and other Isoko communities yet to receive direct project execution would be covered before the end of the 2026 budget year. The statement stressed that this commitment is consistent with his campaign promises and his resolve to pursue the collective development of Isoko land.
Providing additional context, the office revealed that since Rep. Ukodhiko assumed office in June 2023, only the 2024 budget has been fully implemented. Under that budget cycle, lawmakers were permitted to nominate projects worth ₦314 million, a figure that could only support projects in approximately three communities.
Although members were later allowed to nominate projects valued at ₦1 billion in the 2025 budget, the statement said the budget was not funded and was later repealed and re-enacted at 70 per cent as the 2026 budget.
Despite these limitations, the office noted that some projects initially captured under the repealed 2025 budget were still executed based on urgent community needs.
Rep. Ukodhiko thanked the Uzere Community for its engagement and support, calling for patience, sustained dialogue and cooperation to ensure peace, unity and sustainable development across the Isoko Federal Constituency.
