Federal lawmaker Honourable Leko Gambo, who represents the Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency in Bauchi State, has articulated the reasoning behind his motion advocating for the fair and transparent distribution of forfeited estates associated with former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele to vulnerable Nigerians.
Gambo stated that his motion presented to the National Assembly was motivated by the necessity for accountability and equity in the allocation of the recovered properties, which were transferred to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in May of this year.
He referenced the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, particularly Sections 88 and 89, which grant the National Assembly the authority to legislate and oversee individuals, authorities, and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that manage public funds and assets.
He remarked, “Oversight is essential to ensure accountability, which is a core aspect of all legislative oversight functions, and this principle guided my decision to introduce this motion. The motion fundamentally addresses the necessity for a transparent and equitable distribution of forfeited properties that were handed over to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in May this year.”
The lawmaker emphasized that nearly six months have elapsed since the properties were assigned to the ministry, stressing the importance of preventing these assets from being monopolized by a select few.
“For me, from May to now is approximately six months, which is quite a lengthy period, and as a responsible representative, I raised this issue in the National Assembly to ensure that the elite do not exploit these houses,” he stated.
He drew a parallel with the low-cost housing initiative from the Shehu Shagari administration aimed at low-income earners, indicating that his motion similarly aims to prioritize civil servants, internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by natural disasters, and other vulnerable Nigerians.
“I was explicit in my proposal, indicating that these residences ought to be prioritized and allocated to low-income earners, particularly those within the civil service. Additionally, I proposed that we take into account internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have been affected by natural disasters, as well as other vulnerable Nigerians,” Gambo articulated.
He underscored that the well-being of citizens, which includes access to housing, is a constitutional obligation of the government at every level.
“What I am stressing is fundamentally INEC’s reference to a transparent and fair process that will be inclusive. The House reiterated our agreement with the suggestion they put forth, but we wish for the House to be fully informed about the procedure for selecting the individuals who will become beneficiaries,” he stated.
Gambo further noted that the motion instructs the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to create and disseminate a clear framework for the selection of beneficiaries, warning against a scenario where “a select few elites might exploit” the confiscated properties.
