By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Igbo Community Association (ICA), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, over allegations that more than ?700 million was inserted into the national budget for the maintenance and refurbishment of unnamed churches in his constituency.

According to a statement jointly signed by President General of ICA FCT, Nze (Engr.) Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, and Secretary General, Mazi Chinwoke Emmanuel Onah, the association described the reported budgetary allocation as disappointing and questioned the priority accorded to the project at a time when communities in the South-East were facing economic hardship, insecurity and deteriorating public infrastructure. The group alleged that the budget insertion raised concerns over transparency and accountability and urged anti-graft agencies to investigate the allocation.

“His actions speak poorly of his office and his leadership, and we, the Igbo people of the FCT, find this development deeply shameful and confusing,” the statement said.

The association argued that scarce public funds should instead be directed toward improving education, healthcare and other essential public services in Abia State and across the South-East.

“At a time when the South-East region, particularly Hon. Kalu’s home state of Abia, is grappling with severe economic hardship, insecurity, and decaying public infrastructure, prioritizing nearly one billion naira for repainting churches is a profound misplacement of public trust,” the group stated.

ICA FCT also questioned whether the reported budget allocation could be linked to political interests, calling for greater transparency in the appropriation process.

“ICA FCT raises strong suspicions regarding whether these budget insertions represent disguised channels for political funding or campaign reserves ahead of future elections,” the statement alleged.

The association urged the EFCC and other relevant anti-corruption agencies to conduct what it described as a thorough investigation into the reported budget insertion and the allocation of the funds.

It also called on Kalu to refocus his legislative efforts on projects that directly address the needs of his constituents, including education, healthcare and infrastructure.

“The South-East geopolitical zone can no longer afford or accept this type of disconnect and poor representation from its highest-ranking political officers,” the association stated.