Many state governors have spent billions of naira to purchase exotic vehicles of different foreign brands for members of the state houses of assembly despite the economic downturn in the country.
Analyses indicated that nine states have expended over N15bn on different brands of vehicles mostly for lawmakers in the current political dispensation.
Recently, the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabiru Yusuf, gave N2.7 billion worth of exotic vehicles to the members of the state assembly, some of whom have already taken delivery of the sports utility vehicles (SUVs) valued at N68 million each.
All the 32 members of the Benue State House of Assembly have taken delivery of their SUVs purchased for them by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Each vehicle reportedly costs about N60 million.
In Gombe State, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on December 30, last year presented 41 brand new SUVs to all the 24 members of the state assembly and 17 commissioners.
Governor Yahaya said the vehicles were purchased to help the lawmakers carry out their oversight functions and effectively participate in governance
Kogi State
In Kogi State, the former Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello presented 40 SUVs and four Hilux vans to the state’s lawmakers and judges on December 22, 2023, about one month before he left office.
ONDO
The late former governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, last August presented vehicles manufactured by JAC Motors, to the 26 members of the state assembly “to ease” their duties. Sources at the Government House told journalists that each car cost N19 million.
Ebonyi
In Ebonyi state, Governor Francis Nwifuru, purchased VXR Land Cruiser Prado Jeeps for all the 24 members of the state assembly.
Each car reportedly costs around N51 million.
Kebbi State
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, few months ago, distributed Toyota Jeeps to the 24 members of the state assembly.
A top government official in the state told journalists that the vehicles were valued at over N1.9 billion.
Osun State
The Osun State Government distributed new Fortuner brand cars for all the 26 members of the state assembly this year.
Niger
In Niger State, 25 of the 27 members of the state assembly got Prado Jeep each from Governor Mohammed Bago; while the speaker and his deputy reportedly got Land Cruiser Jeep.
Each of the Prado Jeeps was said to have been purchased for about N70 million.
Delta
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori earlier this month gifted members of the National Assembly from the state with cars to aid them in the course of their national assignment.
