The late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo was impeached from office as the second President of Senate in the fourth republic based on allegations of fraud bordering on anticipated approval of funds for Sallah gifts to some eminent Muslim leaders.
While describing opponents of the plan as ‘simply ignorant’, Senator Abdullahi said it was insulting and demeaning that some otherwise enlightened commentators should kick against the procurement plan.He compared Senators to ministers that move around in convoys of four SUVs each, saying that since the public raised no eyebrows, there was nothing to cry over as far as the plan was concerned.
A member of the 7th Senate, Anthony Agbo expressed the view that based on series of assignments undertaken by lawmakers such caliber of vehicles are usually preferred to withstand wear and tear.He decried the mistaken notion that operational vehicles are for luxury or status, stressing that Nigerians are yet to fully understand the duties and responsibilities of lawmakers.
The erstwhile Speaker justified the expenditure in the belief “that in every job, mobility is very necessary and since the members cannot afford to buy cars, I think that the system must provide facilities with which they can engage in their jobs. Although the Senators would conclude plans for the procurement when they resume next week, part of the considerations is that the cost of the brand new SUVs to be imported would be borne by the Senators and deducted from their emoluments.Going by the conservative market price of N50million of the Japanese made vehicles, if the final purchase plan sails through, the sum of N5.5b would have been taken out of the country’s economy.
The plaintiffs are also asking the court for an order to have the cost pruned down, claiming among other grounds: “That the proposed spending by the ninth Senate raises pertinent questions: What is the economic value and contribution of the vehicles sought to be purchased to the grand scheme of Nigeria’s economy? What are the parameters used to arrive at cost efficiency and value for money in the decision to purchase the vehicles? Where are the vehicles purchased by the 8th...
We all know what the political office holders face in their various constituencies. They spend a lot. But my take is for those spendings to be named with an allowable appropriation. Buy your vehicles and office equipment at a standard market price, please.
Wht work. Shout and speak grammers u don't know the meaning.
This problem is caused by the NASS Mgmt. If they have proper Fleet Mgmt, then, it would have been a simple issue of assigning vehicles in good condition to the legislators. Simply refurbish existing vehicles and purchase new ones to make-up if needed. Senate Nigeria
The issue is not that they are not entitled to porch cars but that the economy is haemorrhaging and needs leaders of good conscience to come to it aid by living a moderate life & refusing the urge for extravagance in the midst of abject poverty!
What exactly are you doing there? 'Indigent People' indeed
Wait......are this people whinning us....wat are they doing.....if they do not aproove the minimum wage and they eventually buy the Car....na dat car go kill una las las