Governors Spend Billions On Cars For Lawmakers

Analyses by Daily Trust indicate that nine states have expended over N15 billion on various vehicles, primarily for lawmakers in the current political dispensation.

Kano State:
Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf recently allocated N2.7 billion worth of vehicles to members of the state assembly, with each SUV valued at N68 million. The Kano Assembly comprises 25 members from the governor’s New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and 14 from the All Progressives Congress (APC), with one seat undecided.

Benue State:
Governor Hyacinth Alia purchased SUVs for all 32 members of the Benue State House of Assembly, each costing about N60 million.

Gombe State:
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya presented 41 brand new SUVs to the 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 the vehicles were meant to aid lawmakers in their oversight functions and governance participation.

Kogi State:
Former Governor Yahaya Bello provided 40 SUVs and four Hilux vans to state lawmakers and judges on December 22, 2023, a month before leaving office. The Speaker, Umar Yusuf, received an SUV and two supporting cars, including a Toyota Hilux van. Other members and the majority leader received one SUV each. The cost of the vehicles was not disclosed.

Ondo State:
The late former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu presented JAC Motors vehicles to the 26 members of the state assembly last August, each costing N19 million. Additionally, two Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs valued at N106 million each were purchased for the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, and Deputy Speaker, Abayomi Akinrutan.

Ebonyi State:
Governor Francis Nwifuru purchased VXR Land Cruiser Prado Jeeps for all 24 state assembly members, with each vehicle costing around N51 million.

Kebbi State:
Governor Nasir Idris distributed Toyota Jeeps to the 24 state assembly members, valued at over N1.9 billion. Chief Press Secretary Ahmed Idris stated the vehicles were procured to help officials carry out their duties efficiently.

Osun State:
The Osun State Government distributed new Fortuner brand cars to all 26 state assembly members this year. The cost of these cars was not disclosed.

Niger State:
Governor Mohammed Bago provided Prado Jeeps to 25 of the 27 state assembly members, each costing about N70 million. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker received Land Cruiser Jeeps.

Delta State:
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori gifted cars to members of the National Assembly from the state to aid their national duties. House of Representatives member Francis Ejiroghene Waive praised Oborevwori for this gesture.

Public Criticism:
Bayo Ogunleye, former chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP), criticized the vehicle purchases as a misplacement of priorities, especially considering the country’s economic challenges. He noted that state lawmakers are mimicking their federal counterparts. Mark Amaza of Yiaga Africa and Gad Peter of Cleen Foundation also condemned the expenditures, highlighting the lack of financial autonomy for legislators and the poor state of infrastructure like roads. Ibrahim Zikirullahi of CHRICED expressed concern over the federal government’s similar insensitivity towards the public’s plight, especially in light of the proposed minimum wage.