Despite the economic downturn in the country, many state governors have spent billions of naira on purchasing luxury vehicles for members of their state houses of assembly, Daily Trust reports.
Analysis by Daily Trust shows that nine states have spent over N15 billion on various brands of vehicles, primarily for lawmakers in the current political dispensation.
Kano
Recently, Kano State Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf allocated N2.7 billion worth of luxury vehicles to the state assembly members, with some already receiving SUVs valued at N68 million each. The Kano Assembly comprises 25 members from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and 14 from the All Progressives Congress (APC), with one election yet to be decided.
Benue
All 32 members of the Benue State House of Assembly have received SUVs purchased by Governor Hyacinth Alia, each costing about N60 million.
Gombe
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State presented 41 brand new SUVs to all 24 state assembly members and 17 commissioners on December 30, 2023. Each GAC Motor ‘All New GS4’ vehicle cost about N33.5 million. Governor Yahaya stated that the vehicles were meant to help lawmakers perform their oversight functions effectively.
Kogi
Former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello presented 40 SUVs and four Hilux vans to the state’s lawmakers and judges on December 22, 2023, about a month before leaving office. Speaker Umar Yusuf received an SUV and two additional cars, including a Toyota Hilux van, while his deputy, the majority leader, and 22 other members got one each. The cost of these vehicles was not disclosed.
Ondo
The late former governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, provided vehicles from JAC Motors to the 26 members of the state assembly in August to facilitate their duties. Sources indicated each car cost N19 million. Additionally, two Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs valued at N106 million each were purchased for Speaker Olamide Oladiji and Deputy Speaker Abayomi Akinrutan.
Ebonyi
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State bought VXR Land Cruiser Prado Jeeps for all 24 members of the state assembly, each costing around N51 million.
Kebbi
A few months ago, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State distributed Toyota Jeeps to the 24 state assembly members, with each vehicle valued at over N1.9 billion. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, stated that the vehicles were procured to enable government officials to perform their duties efficiently.
Osun
This year, the Osun State Government provided new Fortuner brand cars for all 26 members of the state assembly. The cost of these cars was not disclosed as officials declined to comment.
Niger
In Niger State, Governor Mohammed Bago gave 25 of the 27 state assembly members a Prado Jeep each, while the speaker and his deputy received Land Cruiser Jeeps. Each Prado Jeep reportedly cost about N70 million.
Delta
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori recently gifted cars to members of the National Assembly from the state to aid them in their national assignments. House of Representatives Standing Committee on Rules and Business Chairman Francis Ejiroghene Waive praised Oborevwori for this gesture.
Criticism
Bayo Ogunleye, former chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP), criticized the continuous purchase of luxury cars as a misplacement of priorities. He noted that state lawmakers were following the lead of their national counterparts. Ogunleye argued that the government should focus on the pressing needs of the people rather than buying expensive vehicles.
Civil Society Organizations’ Views
Mark Amaza, Senior Communications Officer at Yiaga Africa, condemned the expenditure, highlighting the lack of financial autonomy for state houses and questioning their ability to hold the executive accountable. Gad Peter, Executive Director of the Cleen Foundation, and Ibrahim Zikirullahi, Executive Director of the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the insensitivity to citizens’ struggles and advocating for investments in infrastructure instead of luxury cars.
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