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Lawmakers in the Green Chamber have begun receiving their Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), as reported by Sunday PUNCH.
Likewise, legislators in the Red Chamber are set to receive the first batch of SUVs this week. It has been disclosed that the final installment of SUVs for lawmakers’ use will arrive before December.
The decision by the National Assembly leadership to purchase imported SUVs for each lawmaker and bulletproof vehicles for principal officers has sparked considerable criticism. Many citizens have condemned the move, considering it insensitive given the high cost of living.
The Human Rights Writers Association has strongly criticized the decision, deeming it provocative at a time when many families struggle to provide three square meals a day, and essential infrastructure like hospitals and roads are deteriorating rapidly across the country.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has even taken legal action, seeking to halt the National Assembly from procuring and accepting exotic and bulletproof cars for its members and officials until legal proceedings have been resolved.
Nevertheless, the Senate has defended the purchase of the SUVs, asserting that lawmakers require these vehicles for their legislative duties.
Akin Rotimi, the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, confirmed that members of the House have commenced receiving their vehicles. He emphasized that priority was given to female lawmakers, individuals with disabilities, and those without pending court cases.
Rotimi stated, “Some members have started taking delivery of their vehicles. Priority was given to women in the parliament, people with any form of disability and the elderly. The management has also ensured that only members who have been fully disposed of their court cases will be given the vehicles to avoid problems.”
Additionally, a member of the Green Chamber, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that the management is closely monitoring whether members can justify the use of the vehicles for their legislative operations. The management has issued a circular explicitly prohibiting members from selling the vehicles, asserting that they are the property of the National Assembly.
The source explained, “This particular Assembly is very particular about things being done right. In previous assemblies, people would collect their vehicles and sell them off, but the Speaker has put his foot down against such. The spokesperson was mandated to issue a statement internally to members and ensure that no member must sell their vehicles as they are National Assembly property. Beyond the circular, the management is seriously following up, particularly to justify the purchase, because the vehicles were bought to give lawmakers a level of autonomy from the executive.”
According to top-level sources, the vehicles will arrive in three installments for the use of committee chairmen and members. Despite the controversy and public discourse surrounding the vehicles, they are intended to facilitate lawmakers in the execution of their legislative duties.
