The Igbo Community Association (ICA) in the Federal Capital Territory has formally requested that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigate a controversial N780 million budget allocation earmarked for musical instruments in churches within the Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State.
Represented by President General Engr Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe and Secretary General Mazi Chinwoke Emmanuel Onah, the association voiced strong disapproval of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for his role in the matter. The group labeled the inclusion of nearly one billion Naira in the national budget for renovating unnamed churches as both shameful and irrational.
The statement highlighted that Abia State currently faces significant challenges, including economic distress, security concerns, and crumbling infrastructure. The ICA argued that funds should be directed toward struggling schools, healthcare systems, and teacher welfare instead of religious renovations. Furthermore, the association expressed concern that these budget items might serve as hidden conduits for political or campaign financing. They have urged anti-graft agencies to conduct a full audit and called for Deputy Speaker Kalu to shift his legislative focus toward the actual needs of his constituents.
