Abia Group Questions ₦1bn Church Equipment Allocation For Bende, Seeks Clarity On Implementation Formula

“Group Says Bende Needs Hospitals, Schools, Roads More Than Musical Instruments, Urges Deputy Speaker Kalu To Publish Details”

The Abia Coalition for Equity and Justice, ACJE, has raised concerns over the ₦1 billion allocation for “musical and cultural equipment for churches in Bende LGA, Abia State” in the 2026 Federal Budget, describing it as disproportionate and demanding transparency on how the funds will be implemented.

The allocation, with code ERGP20273981, was reportedly attracted by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency.

According to budget documents obtained by civic-tech platform Tracka and reviewed by SaharaReporters, the ₦1bn is part of the ₦8.05 billion earmarked by the Federal Government nationwide for the construction, renovation, and equipping of churches and mosques.

“Priorities Must Reflect People’s Needs”

In a statement issued on Monday, ACJE commended the Deputy Speaker for attracting federal presence to Bende, but questioned the choice of spending ₦1 billion solely on musical equipment for churches.

“We acknowledge the effort of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu to bring projects to Bende. However, ₦1 billion for musical and cultural equipment for churches alone raises serious questions about priorities and value for money,” the group stated.

The group noted that while faith-based support is important, Bende LGA continues to grapple with dilapidated primary healthcare centres, poor rural roads, unemployment among youths, and under-equipped schools.

“With ₦1 billion, government can equip 10 primary health centres, renovate 20 schools, or provide solar-powered water projects in all the wards of Bende. Our people need interventions that touch every household, not just one segment,” the group added added.

Demands For Transparency

The group called on the Office of the Deputy Speaker to immediately publish the implementation formula, procurement process, and list of beneficiary churches to avoid accusations of political patronage.

Key questions raised by the group include:
1. What specific items will be procured with the ₦1bn and at what unit cost?

2. Which churches in the 13 wards of Bende are expected to benefit and by what criteria?

3. Which agency will execute the project and what is the timeline for delivery and monitoring?

“The people of Bende deserve facts, not slogans. If this money must be spent, let the process be open so that it does not become another avenue for waste or political settlement,” the statement said.

Kalu’s Office Yet To React

As of press time, the office of the Deputy Speaker had not issued an official response to the concerns raised.

Political observers note that constituency projects often become contentious when details are not made public, especially in an election year.

ACJE, however, urged stakeholders in Bende to engage constructively and ensure that federal allocations translate into tangible development.

“We are not against supporting churches. But leadership is about balance. Let us invest in things that lift the entire community, health, education, jobs, and infrastructure, while still respecting our faith institutions,” the group concluded.