Drama As Constituent Refunds Kachia/Kagarko Reps Member’s Empowerment Funds Over Alleged Disrespect By Aide
A youth advocate, Comrade Bernard Kundi Bulus, has announced the refund of an empowerment fund sent to his father, citing concerns over dignity, disrespect, and a breakdown of trust with a serving member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Gabriel Saleh.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the advocate said the decision followed 24 hours of intense pressure, appeals, and interventions. Despite acknowledging the gesture from the lawmaker, he said the fund had “unfortunately birthed nothing but disrespect and insults” from the outset, prompting the decision to return the money in full.
According to the statement, attempts to refund the money directly to the lawmaker were unsuccessful, as several individuals allegedly declined to provide his account details on instructions from his camp. As a result, the funds were returned through the lawmaker’s media assistant, Nehemiah David Handan, with a slight additional amount included to cover incidental expenses and ensure acknowledgment of receipt.
Bernard condemned what he described as attacks and insults directed at his father, whom he referred to as a symbol he holds in the highest esteem, warning that such conduct would not be tolerated.
While reaffirming appreciation for the lawmaker’s consideration, the advocate said he was compelled to decline the fund in order to preserve personal and family dignity.
He also expressed disappointment over what he described as the lawmaker’s silence and failure to rein in supporters allegedly responsible for the attacks.
The statement further outlined the advocate’s longstanding support for the lawmaker during his first tenure and a subsequent rerun election, noting that this support was provided quietly and with personal resources, based on confidence in the lawmaker’s leadership.
Describing the current situation as a betrayal of trust, the advocate emphasized that his engagement had always been driven by concern for youth welfare rather than malice or condemnation. He reiterated his advocacy for youth empowerment focused on sustainable opportunities rather than cash handouts, including skills acquisition, scholarships, mentorship, and opportunities for young people to serve in public offices.
“I believe youths between the ages of 18 and 35 should be given what they need, not merely what they want,” the statement read, adding that such approaches are better suited to addressing 21st-century challenges.
Despite his disappointment, the advocate reaffirmed his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that he harbors no personal grudge against the lawmaker. He added that he remains open to renewed engagement should “the right adjustments and corrections” be made.
The statement reads:
"Over the past 24 hours, I have received countless calls and pleas. However, despite these interventions, I have made the difficult decision to refund the so called empowerment fund sent to my father.
While this amount is insignificant when compared to his absolute loyalty to the Honourable Member’s House of Representatives Gabriel Saleh ambition from inception, it has unfortunately birthed nothing but disrespect and insults from the very beginning.
Some morally bankrupt individuals have taken this as an opportunity to disrespect a symbol I hold in the highest esteem. This will not be tolerated now or ever.
I sincerely appreciate the Honourable Member for the gesture and show of consideration. However, I must respectfully decline it in order to preserve our dignity. While I may initially excuse his ignorance on this matter, his prolonged silence and inability or unwillingness to tame his attack dogs suggests otherwise.
Despite my efforts to obtain his account details for a direct refund, several people declined my request, allegedly on instructions from his camp. Consequently, I was compelled to send the funds through his media assistant, Nehemiah David Handan. I have transferred the full amount, along with a little extra to cover his haircut and data so he can acknowledge receipt of the payment.
Although questions have been raised about his financial integrity, I hope he proves me wrong by promptly handing over the funds to the Honourable Member.
For the record, I supported the Honourable Member in my own little way during his first tenure and again during the rerun, based purely on the confidence I had in him. I committed my hard earned resources to this cause quietly, without noise or publicity.
Therefore, I consider the current situation a betrayal of trust especially since our engagement has never been out of malice or condemnation, but out of caution and genuine concern for prioritising the interests of the youths, whom I proudly represent.
I have consistently advocated for youth empowerment that meets modern standards and addresses 21st-century challenges. I believe young people between the ages of 18–35 should be given what they need, not merely what they want:
opportunities over cash handouts, modern skills acquisition, and scholarships for those willing to pursue education, opportunity to be mentored and serve in his office just to mention a few.
I expected the Honourable Member being well travelled and exposed to resonate with these ideas. If that expectation was a mistake, then i am disappointed but I remain unapologetic to these commitments .
Finally, let me state clearly that I remain wholeheartedly committed to the APC. I hold no personal grudge or animosity against the Honourable Member and will resume my Full if the right adjustments and correction is made. My loyalty remains with youth welfare, accountability, and good governance.
I hope this matter rests here."
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