By Bukola Afeni
A leading non-profit advocacy organisation, Connected Development, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kaduna North Federal Constituency over transparency and accountability issues.
Chief Executive Officer of Connected Development, Mr. Hamzat Lawal, who signed the MOU with the member of the House of Representatives representing the federal constituency, Hon. Bello El-Rufai said the move involves monitoring constituency projects, conducting community engagements, and deploying project monitoring tools.
According to Hamzat, the partnership will include sharing valuable information and field assessment reports with the Federal Legislator.
“Today, we have signed a document compelling Connected Development and House of Representatives member, Hon. Bello El-Rufai, to work jointly , to build an adopted tool , to nominate constituency project that depicts the need and aspirations of its constituents. After this, the money are earmarked and released for contracting and for implementation.
“We have also agreed in this document that we will jointly monitor the utilization of the funds, by engaging the constituent members, most importantly when hosting meetings. We will also be there to monitor and observe how the Honourable member engages his constituents at the local level , and also ensure that whatever he brings at the floor of the National Assembly reflects the wishes and aspirations of his people,” Hamzat said
The CEO of CODE further added that the Memorandum of Understanding showcases that truly lawmakers and civil society can work together to ensure that Nigerians enjoy the dividends of democracy.
Speaking at the event, El- Rufai said Nigeria is not ranking well on corruption index.
He added that the partnership with CODE will bring about accountability and transparency in his constituency.
He commended the CEO of CODE for previous experiences in tracking data in the health and education sector, especially during the COVID 19 outbreak.
He said, “It is my duty to make sure the job is done, but Hamzat has more skills in implementing projects. That is why the organization was set up. He has more tools to blow whistle in the society.
“Being accountable to the people of my constituency is the right thing to do. I will continue to be an advocate of truth by sending this message to other members of the House,” El- Rufai promised.