Reps Reacts as controversy trails purchase of multimillion naira SUVs for lawmakers

The House of Representatives has shed more light on the purchase of brand new multimillion naira Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for lawmakers.

This was contained in a statement by the spokesperson and chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, on Sunday.

Tracknews Media earlier reported that management of the National Assembly is in the process of procuring and distributing the vehicles to members of the National Assembly.

Rotimi said the vehicles are utility vehicles for lawmakers in the discharge of their duties in the standing committees and not personal gifts.

“It is also not peculiar to the Legislature as unelected government officials in the Executive arm of government from director level and above, in most cases, have official vehicles attached to their offices,” he said.

“For the duration of the 10th assembly (2023 – 2027), the vehicles shall remain the property of the National Assembly at the expiration of the tenure of the 10th Assembly in 2027, should the extant assets deboarding policy of government still be in place.

“Honourable members may have the option of making payment for the outstanding value of the vehicles to government coffers before they can become theirs, otherwise it remains the property of the National Assembly.”

He added that the House remained committed to reducing the cost of governance in line with present realities.