TheCable

Joe Abah, a former director-general of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), says it is unjustifiable for lawmakers to get new cars every four years.

Abah made the comment in a post on X on Saturday. 

He was reacting to the planned procurement of some Land Cruiser sport utility vehicles (SUVs) for members of the upper legislative chamber.

The national assembly has come under criticism over the proposed purchase of the vehicles at a time Nigerians are grappling with multiple economic woes.

Abah said the car he used while in office was Nigerian made, and was inherited by his successor whom he says still uses the vehicle till date.

“How can anyone defend buying cars for legislators every 4 years though? On top of all the money they TAKE (not EARN)? Why buy foreign cars?,” Abah asked.

“When I was DG, the Innoson I used served me very well for 4 years. I left it behind when I was leaving. It’s still in active service.”

How can anyone defend buying cars for legislators every 4 years though? On top of all the money they TAKE (not EARN)? Why buy foreign cars? When I was DG, the Innoson I used served me very well for 4 years. I left it behind when I was leaving. It’s still in active service. pic.twitter.com/2CSvpaXb48

— Dr Joe Abah (@DrJoeAbah) November 4, 2023

Sunday Karimi, chairman of the committee on services, told journalists on Tuesday that the lawmakers want vehicles that would last for the next four years, hence the choice of the luxury cars.

In October, Ali Ndume, chief whip of the senate, also said that his colleagues are opting for the SUVs because they want cars that are “stable” and safe.

“Over the years, that cost is going up. We had 406 but it did not serve the purpose,” Ndume had said.

“In 2007, we went for Prado. That Prado was the least expensive of all jeeps, if you remember that time. I think we lost two senators because of the instability of the vehicle. That was why they went for a Land Cruiser.”