Abuja, [Current Date] – Despite the advice from the Labour Party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, not to accept luxury official vehicles, the party’s lawmakers in the National Assembly have chosen to proceed with the plan. Abure had criticized the alleged plan by the National Assembly leadership to purchase Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) worth N160 million for each legislator, deeming it insensitive given the country’s challenging economic conditions. He urged Labour Party lawmakers to refrain from participating in such extravagant spending.
However, in response to Abure’s call, the party’s lawmakers have indicated their intention to accept the official vehicles. They argue that the SUVs are essential tools for their legislative work, especially in carrying out oversight functions.
Ngozi Okolie, the lawmaker representing Delta Aniocha North and South, defended the decision, stating, “The SUVs are meant to aid our jobs as lawmakers, particularly as it relates to our oversight functions. Having one official vehicle as federal lawmakers isn’t frivolous; it’s a necessity.” Okolie also pointed out that state-level politicians often receive more benefits than federal lawmakers, including multiple official vehicles.
Stainless Nwodo, the lawmaker representing Igbo Etiti and Uzo-Uwani constituencies in Enugu State, praised President Bola Tinubu for approving the provision of these vehicles, and he emphasized that the SUVs would benefit the constituents. He stated, “Nobody in the National Assembly is against the SUV, when the SUV comes, we will collect it and use it to bring more benefits to our constituencies.”
Neda Imasuen, the lawmaker representing Edo South Senatorial District, expressed a wait-and-see approach, indicating that he would decide upon the arrival of the vehicles. Imasuen also suggested that the number of Labour Party lawmakers in the National Assembly might not significantly impact the situation, as the party has a limited representation compared to other parties.
In conclusion, the stance of Labour Party lawmakers suggests a division within the party regarding the acceptance of official vehicles, with some legislators emphasizing their necessity for effective representation and oversight functions, while others take a more cautious approach, awaiting further developments.