The Kano State Government has confirmed purchasing 41 exotic sports utility vehicles (SUVs) for members of the House of Assembly for N68 million each. Shehu Sagagi, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, said the legislators are entitled to sound working vehicles.
According to him, the legislators have already taken possession of the cars totalling about N2.6 billion. He said Governor Abba Yusuf, having considered the economic situation, directed that the contractor be made to understand the need to spread the payment over some time. Sagagi stressed that the governor’s action is based on respect for the rights and obligations of all tiers of government, adding he remains committed to the well-being of the people.
A ranking lawmaker, who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity, also defended the purchase of the SUVs. He said: “Why are you making a mountain out of a molehill on the purchase of new vehicles for lawmakers? Previous administrations did the same thing.” When reminded that the situation is not the same considering the economic challenges facing the country, the lawmaker said the vehicles would facilitate their oversight functions and would be used for other legislative works.