Legislature

Senate justifies purchase of Toyota Landcruiser for 107 members at N160m each

Published

11 months ago

October 24, 2023

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Amidst criticisms against the purchase of very expensive 2023 model of the Toyota Landcruiser and Toyota Prado being procured for the use of the 469 members of the National Assembly, the Senate on Tuesday justified its own purchase of the Toyota Landcruiser for 107 of its members at the contract price of about N160 million each.
This is in addition to the bullet proof vehicles being purchased for Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Barau Jibrin.
The leadership of the Senate and that of the House of Representatives, in active collaboration with the management of the National Assembly have already given out seperate contracts for the vehicles .

The move had drawn the ire of Nigerians who have been calling out the lawmakers for being insensitive to the plight of Nigerians amid high cost of living.

The Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) said procuring SUVs for federal lawmakers was provocative at a time that most families can barely feed their members three square meals per day, and hospitals and roads are collapsing rapidly all across the country.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) asked the Federal High Court in Lagos to stop the National Assembly from procuring and taking delivery of exotic and bulletproof cars for members and principal officials pending the hearing and determination of the applications for injunction filed by the organization.
But the Red Chamber defended the purchase of the SUVs, saying lawmakers needed the vehicles for their operations.

Addressing reporters at the National Assembly, Abuja, the chairman, Committee on Senate services, Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi) said the criticism was uncalled for as members of the other arms of government used similar vehicles.
He urged critics to beam their search light on ministers and members of state assemblies.
He said, “A minister has more than three land cruisers, prado and other vehicles and you are not asking them questions, why us?
“The issue of buying vehicles for National Assembly members, you know it is a reoccurring issue. It occurs every assembly, it will always come up.
“If you got to state houses of assembly today, check out, most of them before they were even inaugurated, the governor would have bought vehicles for them even local government chairmen. I drove the vehicle my local government chairman uses. So, why National Assembly?
“These vehicles that you see, go to Nigerian roads today, If I go home once, my senatorial district, I come back spending a lot on my vehicles because our roads are bad.”
Karimi said the Senate settled for Toyota Landcruiser against a local product after a comparative of analysis of cost, technical issues and durability on Nigeria roads.
“We want something that we can maintain for another four years. It is not the decisions of the senators alone, we did an analysis before arriving at Land cruiser,” he said.
On the issue of cost, Karimi said, “When I came to the Senate, when they gave me their liability. They have a liability of over N16 billion that is made up of different thing including vehicles purchased for members of 7th, 8th and 9th assemblies.
“If you are a businessman and you supply vehicles for somebody in 2014 or 2015 or so and up till now they are owing you. I am not trying to defend anybody.
“If a Landcruiser in the market let say it is A cost, you don’t expect somebody that will supply it to supply it at the price they are selling it in the market.
“It has to leave a margin and the civil service rule for supply allows for 25% margin, plus 7.5% VAT. Out of that 25% margin, they will still remove 5% tax from it.
“You are telling someone to supply when the clients may even end up not making payment for three years and you want him to supply at the price they are selling in the market, it is not possible.”

Legislature

Lawan condoles with Borno Governor, victims of flood disaster

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2024

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Former President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan has extended his condolences to Governor Babagana Zulum and the people of Borno State following the recent devastating floods that have ravaged parts of the state.
A statement by his media adviser Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo quoted Lawan to have expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives and property caused by the disaster, which has left many residents displaced and without livelihoods.

He urged swift intervention from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to provide relief materials and assistance to the affected communities.

Lawan, who represents Yobe North Senatorial District, commended Governor Zulum’s efforts in responding to the flood disaster and pledged his support for the affected communities.

The former Senate President’s statement conveyed his solidarity with the people of Borno State during this challenging time.
The statement reads, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the severe flooding in Borno State, which has caused untold hardship and suffering to our compatriots. My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones and property in this disaster.

“I urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to swiftly provide relief materials and assistance to the affected communities.“

“I want to commend Governor Babagana Zulum for his proactive efforts in evacuating residents from the flooded areas and providing temporary shelters for them. His leadership has been instrumental in minimizing the impact of the disaster.“

He commended the federal government for providing additional support to Borno State to enable it to cope with the aftermath of the flood.

Lawan also urged the Borno State government to work with relevant agencies to find lasting solutions to the flooding in the state.

“While we commiserate with the victims of the flood, we must also work towards finding lasting solutions to this perennial problem. The Borno State government, in collaboration with relevant agencies, should embark on a comprehensive flood control programme to mitigate future disasters,” he said.

Senator Lawan prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the flood and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Legislature

KGHA Resumes Sitting, Congratulates Ododo over Supreme Court Victory

Published

2 weeks ago

September 3, 2024

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From Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

The Kogi State House of Assembly has reconvened after a lengthy recess, with Speaker Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf expressing gratitude and excitement over the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s victory in the November 11th governorship election.

In his welcome address to members, Speaker Yusuf commended the lawmakers for their solidarity and assured them of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s commitment to collaborative governance for the state’s betterment.

Yusuf stated, “The Supreme Court’s pronouncement has profound significance for all of us, both as members of this esteemed assembly and as a state. We attribute this triumph to the Almighty God.”

The Speaker emphasized the legislature’s unity across party lines, saying, “As lawmakers, we have collectively rejoiced at this outcome, demonstrating our commitment to working harmoniously for the state’s progress.”

The assembly pledged its support for the executive branch, ensuring a harmonious working relationship to drive development and progress in Kogi State.

Legislature

Kogi Assembly Passes Vote of Confidence on Governor Usman Ododo

Published

2 weeks ago

September 3, 2024

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***Applauds Numerous Achievements in 7 Months

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

The Kogi State House of Assembly has passed a Vote of Confidence on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, lauding his outstanding achievements over the past seven months.

The vote of confidence was passed during Tuesday’s plenary session following the adoption of a motion on Urgent Public Importance, moved by Hon. Akus Lawal (APC-Ankpa 1).

In his motion, Hon. Akus highlighted the governor’s significant accomplishments in fiscal discipline, financial management, agriculture, health, security, infrastructure development, and education.

The motion commended Governor Ododo’s efforts in reducing the state’s domestic debt from N121 billion to N38 billion, earning Kogi State a “B-” rating with a positive outlook from FITCH Ratings.

The governor’s initiatives in agriculture, such as designating 8,000 hectares of farmland, releasing N8 billion to farm clusters, and refurbishing 200 tractors, were also praised.

In health, the motion recognized the governor’s efforts in formalizing the Health Insurance Scheme, revitalizing over 70 primary health centers, and distributing essential consumables and hospital equipment.

The governor’s commitment to security, infrastructure development, and education was acknowledged as well, including the engagement of local hunters and vigilantes, the launch of a metropolitan quick response unit, and the construction of roads and model colleges.

The House of Assembly’s vote of confidence is a testament to Governor Ododo’s dedication to transforming Kogi State and improving the lives of its citizens.

Hon. Jibrin Abu (APC-Ajaokuta) seconded the motion, which was supported by other members. In their various submissions, they applauded the governor for his achievements despite the pressure from ongoing litigation.

In his ruling on the motion, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, noted that despite the pending litigation from the election, the governor had achieved a great deal within seven months. He highlighted Governor Ododo’s impact on fiscal discipline, financial management, debt reduction, improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and advancements in the agricultural sector.

Speaker Yusuf also emphasized the tremendous support the health sector has received under Ododo’s administration, from private healthcare to tertiary health institutions. He noted significant improvements in security, infrastructure development across the three senatorial districts, continuity and support for education, as well as reforms and improvements in Kogi’s civil service at both the state and local government levels.

He concluded that the governor not only deserves a pass mark but also excellence, and that a Vote of Confidence to support and encourage him was indeed in order.

Speaker Yusuf then adopted the motion following overwhelming voice votes in favor of the motion.