BY ADAMU KOSHERE
Amid festering hardship in the state, the Kano State Government has confirmed that it spent about N2.8billion for the purchase of 41 ‘exotic’ Sports Utility Vehicles, SUVs, for the State House of Assembly members
According to the state government, each of the SUVs is valued at N68 million
Even as the development has attracted criticisms from the stakeholders and opposition political parties in the state, the state government has argued that it was a step in the right direction, stressing that it is the right of the lawmakers to use such car
Defending it’s position, the Chief of Staff, to the Kano state governor, Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi, said the lawmakers deserve to be provided with sound working vehicles, adding that the vehicles have already been distributed to the 41 lawmakers of the State House of Assembly
The Chief of Staff, stated however that the governor, having considered the economic situation, directed that the contractor be made to understand the need to spread the payment over a period of time.
Sagagi emphasised that the governor’s action is based on respect for the rights and obligations of all tiers of government.
He added that the governor remains committed to the well-being of every arm of government and the people of the State in general.
A ranking lawmaker, who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity, also defended the purchase of the SUVs.
‘’Why are you making a mountain out of a mole hill on the purchase of new vehicles for lawmakers? Previous administrations in the state did the same thing,” he said in response to controversy trailing the purchase of the vehicles.
When reminded that the situation is not the same considering the current economic challenges in the country, the lawmaker insisted that the vehicle was well deserved, stressing that it will facilitate their oversight functions even as it would be used for other legislative works?”
Recall that outrage and criticisms had earlier trailed the decision of the Nigerian similar towards a similar action, when it spent about N57.6billion to purchase 162 SUVs for members of the 10th National Assembly about
