National Assembly members, Senators and House of Representatives members, have started receiving their brand new 2023 model Toyota Land Cruisers worth over N100 million each, according to a Vanguard report.
Total cost of the vehicles allocated to the Lawmakers is in excess of N50 Billion.
A lawmaker who pleaded anonymity, confirmed to Vanguard on Sunday that the House members would start receiving theirs this past weekend.
A member of the House who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said he would be glad to take possession of his SUV as a first time lawmaker.
” I will be glad to receive my own, I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
Reacting to the issue last night, House spokesperson and Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, said in a statement in Abuja: “It is important to make a few clarifications. The vehicles to be allocated to the offices of members are utility operational vehicles tied to their oversight functions in the discharge of their duties in the standing committees. They are not personal vehicles gifted to honourable members.
“For the duration of the 10th assembly 2023 – 2027, the vehicles shall remain the property of the National Assembly. At the expiration of the tenure of the 10th Assembly in 2027, should the extant assets deboarding policy of government still be in place, members may have the option of making payment for the outstanding value of the vehicles to government coffers before they can become theirs, otherwise it remains the property of the National Assembly.
“The public is invited to note that as part of the 10th Assembly’s objective to ensure our integrity and independence, members of the Green Chamber have resolved to maintain a respectable distance from the executive arm of government, especially in issues relating to logistical aspects of oversight functions, including reaching difficult terrains in the country.
