Federal lawmaker Honourable Leko Gambo, representing Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency in Bauchi State, has explained his motion calling for the transparent and equitable distribution of forfeited estates linked to former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele to vulnerable Nigerians.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Gambo said his motion aims to ensure accountability and fairness in the handling of the recovered properties, which were transferred to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in May 2025.
He noted that Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria empower the National Assembly to legislate and exercise oversight over public funds and assets managed by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
“Oversight is to ensure accountability, which is fundamental in all legislative functions. This motion addresses the need for a transparent and equitable allocation of forfeited houses,” Gambo said.
Highlighting that nearly six months have passed since the transfer, he warned against the properties ending up in the hands of a privileged few. He compared the initiative to the Shehu Shagari administration’s low-cost housing programme, emphasising that beneficiaries should include civil servants, internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by natural disasters, and other vulnerable Nigerians.
Gambo stressed that ensuring citizens’ welfare, including access to housing, is a constitutional responsibility of government at all levels. He urged the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to publish a clear framework for selecting beneficiaries, warning against elite capture of the seized properties.