TheCable

The Labour Party (LP) has condemned the procurement of sports utility vehicles (SUVs) for members of the house of representatives.

There have been reports that the leadership of the house has bought SUVs for all of its members.

According to the reports, each of the SUVs is valued at N160 million, totalling N57.6 billion for the purchase of the vehicles.

On Sunday, Akin Rotimi, spokesperson of the house of representatives, confirmed that the green chamber is in the “phased process of procuring and distributing operational vehicles to honourable members”.

He noted that the vehicles are not personal gifts to the lawmakers but utility operational vehicles and property of the national assembly.

Commenting on the development in a statement by Julius Abure, its national chairman, LP said it is shocked and disappointed at the level of insensitivity being displayed by the executive and the legislative arms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

The party said the APC-led government has decided “to increase its appetite for a life of opulence” despite the “deepening poverty” among Nigerians.

“How else can any Government justify the bloated Federal Executive Council of 48 cabinet ministers, with each of them given three luxurious four-wheel drive vehicles on the first day in office, paid for and fueled by taxpayers?” the party asked.

“This is notwithstanding hundreds of presidential and ministerial aides, as well as numerous aides to the aides which are being funded by the government.

“These vehicles will be costing Nigerians about N57.6 billion and this is happening at a time when government claims it cannot afford to increase the minimum wage of N30,000 monthly to workers.

“A bag of 50 kg rice is today N50,000 and most families can’t afford two square meals a day, how insensitive can a Government become? This same government is still going round the world cap in hand seeking for loan, what a shame!

“As things stand today, inflation is likely to hit 30 per cent by December, 2023, yet all they are concerned about is the comfort of a privileged few who found themselves in public office.”

The party wondered why the house could not empower local manufacturers like Innnoson Motors and Peugeot Automobiles to boost the economy.

“When our Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, said we in the Labour Party want to move the economy from consumption to production, this is what we mean – Nigeria first!” the LP said.

The party urged the APC-led government to retrace its step and give priority to revamping the economy “instead of its current obsession with luxury living”.

“We are also calling on the Labour Party legislators in the 10th Assembly to kick against this unnecessary wastage of resources in line with the ideology of the party which is social justice and equal opportunity for all,” the party said.

“Nigerians will hold them responsible if they fail to live above board or give proper account of the electoral investment reposed in them.

“Nigerians are fed up with the status quo and they crave for a different leadership that must factor the interest of the suffering masses. The poor must be allowed to breath again in this country.”