The House of Representatives has confirmed the each of the 360 members of the green chamber got Toyota Prado Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) worth N130 million, but said they were work tools.
Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi, disclosed this in a statement at weekend, while reacting to the media reports that trailed the controversial SUVs.
Rotimi noted that the vehicles are utility operational 2023 model Prado SUVs and are tied to their oversight functions, and to be used in the discharge of their duties in the standing committees.
He said they are not personal vehicles, but would remain the property of the National Assembly at the expiration of the tenure of the 10th Assembly in 2027, should the extant assets de-boarding policy of Government still be in place.
According to him, members have the option of making payment for the outstanding value of the vehicles to Government coffers before they can claim ownership.
“The public is invited to note that, as part of the 10th Assembly’s objective to ensure our integrity and independence, members of the Green Chamber have resolved to maintain a respectable distance from the Executive arm of Government, especially in issues relating to logistical aspects of oversight functions, including reaching difficult terrains in the country.
“No matter how remote the location is, as long as there are Nigerian citizens living there, they deserve highly mobile representatives who can see first-hand what they are going through, and ensure government interventions, programmes, and policies are carried out effectively. This can only be possible with functional and reliable off-road vehicles.
“Also, the House would like to inform the public that we remain committed to reducing the cost of governance in line with present realities”.
“The vehicles are work tools and not status symbols – Honourable Members are diligent and patriotic elected representatives and not entitled. The anticipated allocation of vehicles will contribute to improved representation, constituency outreach and oversight functions”, he further emphasised.
