The House of Representatives has insisted on going ahead with the procurement and distribution of Prado SUV worth N130 million to each of the over 300 lawmakers in the Green Chamber.
While defending the decion in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, Rep. Rotimi Akin, the Spokesperson of the House of Reps said it is the tradition of National Assembly to procure utility behicles for members.
He was reacting to criticisms that have trailed the decision to procire the vehicles night at a time Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship as a result of removal of fuel subsidy and other policies of government.
But Akin said the lawmakers will need the luxurious vehicles for oversight functions in the discharge of their duties within the standing committees.
He emphasised the importance of the vehicles in enhancing the performance of lawmakers’ duties, especially when it comes to oversight functions in various regions of the country.
Akin said the aimed was to ensure that government interventions, programmes, and policies were effectively carried out, no matter where Nigerian citizens reside.
He highlighted the percentage of the legislature’s budget as part of the national budget which had steadily decreased over the past decade, currently standing at 0.5 per cent of the federal budget.
He urged stakeholders to focus on reducing costs in the right areas while supporting lawmakers in their efforts to fulfill their duties effectively and with integrity.
According to him, the vehicles are work tools and not status symbols, intended to facilitate improved representation, constituency outreach, and oversight functions by elected representatives
He also added that the vehicles are not personal gifts and will remain property of the 10th assembly, spanning from 2023 to 2027, though the lawmakers can buy them at the end of their tenure.
”However, should the government’s extant assets deboarding policy still be in place at the end of the assembly’s tenure in 2027, lawmakers may have the option to purchase the vehicles before they become their property. ”
credit: PM News
