The Senate has said contrary to report that it planned to purchase brand new vehicles for its 109 members, the vehicles being proposed for purchase were for its committees.
The Red Chamber, which was responding to the allegation by an online medium,said the media should avoid deliberately portraying the legislature as irresponsible and inciting the people against it just as it noted with dismay that the report was seeking to present the upper legislative body as insensitive for proposing to purchase vehicles for the use of members.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Senator Aliyu Sabi, the Senate said the automobiles were part of the necessities which the institution usually provides to committees to enable them function without depending on external bodies for effective performance of oversight functions.
“The vehicles are not meant for individual Senators. They are purchased for the use of the committees.
“For those who may want to find out what happened to the ones bought in the past, we cannot expect that after four years, the vehicles will still be in the condition to effectively serve the present committees.
The best practice in government institutions and even private organizations is for official vehicles allocated to top officials after four years of use to be sold at the depreciated value”, Sabi stated.
“We have been very frugal, responsive and responsible in our spendings. We have also cut down on several expenses. However, there are certain expenses and purchases that are normal in government and any organisation generally. The legislature is not an exception.
“With respect to the official vehicles of the Senate President, it should be noted that majority of the vehicles in his convoy are his personal vehicles while some of the vehicles that he inherited, including his official vehicles and the back up car, are so old that they are already developing faults and not fit for long journey. We
can recall that on several occasions, his official car broke down.
Three instances will suffice here. I remember on a visit to Nasarawa state for a wedding of the daughter of a colleague. Other occasions were at the National Mosque three weeks ago and at the Abuja airport.
“The implication is that the vehicles in his official convoy are so old that they are already causing embarrassment for the Senate. The media should know that a man of his antecedent will not at this point be excited with purchase of new cars. His official cars are really long overdue for replacement.
“The media should avoid deliberately portraying the legislature as irresponsible and inciting the people against it. We seek the understanding of the media to explain issues and situations to the people. Both the media and the legislature have different roles to play in sustaining our democracy and none should be seen to be
undermining the other”, he added. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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Been using my current tokunbo car for over 7 years now roughing Lagos roads and lagos ibadan express way.Not once has it broken down.Oga Bulky who be your driver? Who be ya mechanic? Make I borrow you my own? Walahi if Musibau handle your car, e go last you like 16 years I swear.
ReplyDeleteIf majorities of the electorates that elected you politicians to represent them are still driving vehicles that are older than 5years or more,I don't see why you the elected servants can't drive same cars that are 4 years old.What's good for the masses must be equally good for the peoples' representatives
ReplyDeleteAre they paying with their money? Why can't they go for the best. By the way, don't mind the amount they will allocate to each of the cars. One contractors will surely smile to the bank. After all, Ana adighi mma bu uru ndi nze
ReplyDeleteUrh, i mean one contractor and not one contractors pls.
DeleteMy distinguished senators, Nah waoh! No one is against your buying new cars to replace the old ones, what is baffling is that you people are buying each at over 60 million nairn in this time of belt tightening and austerity. Una no dey fear God?
ReplyDelete