Joshua Audu Gana, the House of Representatives member for the Lavun/Mokwa/Edati Federal Constituency in Niger State, has firmly defended his inability to execute constituency projects, asserting that he will not resort to unethical means to satisfy public expectations.
His comments were made during a stakeholders’ meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Mokwa Local Council on Tuesday, in response to increasing dissatisfaction from local party leaders. Among those voicing concerns about his performance was Alhaji Suleiman Kupanti, the PDP Chairman in the region, who criticized Gana’s effectiveness.
In his speech, Gana explained that many of the demands placed upon him were unrealistic, emphasizing that public office entails complex structures and diverse responsibilities.
He reassured stakeholders that while he may not be able to address every request, he would ensure their concerns are directed to the appropriate authorities.
“I thank God I am not God,” Gana stated, acknowledging that he cannot fulfill all the expectations of his constituents.
“The funds in public office do not belong to my family; they are government funds. When evaluating my performance, consider the national budget and the allocations for our constituency. Accountability can only be expected when projects are fully financed,” he remarked.
In response to claims that his inability to deliver is due to insufficient funding, Gana suggested that his position in the opposition may play a role, noting that the ruling APC controls the majority of allocations.
He compared his current challenges to those faced by the previous administration when the PDP was in power, indicating that the current political environment has significantly impacted project funding.
However, his statements have drawn criticism from constituents, some of whom expressed their frustration with his explanations and called for more proactive measures rather than complaints.
In light of the opposition, Gana’s supporters have committed to reflecting on the circumstances as they evaluate his leadership in the future.
