Yusuf Edun
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has filed a lawsuit against the National Assembly of Nigeria, over its decision to buy Prado SUV cars worth N130 million for its members and principal officers.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by SERAP, on Monday.
The body affirmed that it has filed an urgent application for injunction to stop Nigeria’s National Assembly from taking delivery of 465 exotic and bulletproof cars [worth N40bn] for members and principal officials, pending the determination of the lawsuit on the matter.
In light of the backlash from the public, SERAP has filed an urgent application to stop the National Assembly from purchasing the vehicles.
The tenacity of the lawmakers in pursuing the purchase of the luxury cars, in spite of the public outcry, has prompted SERAP to take legal action.
The organization questioned whether the cost of the vehicles is justified, especially given the financial challenges facing the country
In defense of the controversial decision, Rep. Rotimi Akin, the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, stated that it is customary for the National Assembly to acquire vehicles for its members.
According to him, the expensive cars are necessary for the lawmakers to carry out their oversight duties as members of the standing committee.
He stressed that the luxury cars are an important tool for lawmakers to effectively perform their duties, particularly when it comes to oversight functions in various parts of the country.
“The purpose of providing members of the National Assembly with these high-end vehicles is to ensure that the government’s interventions, programmes, and policies are implemented effectively, regardless of the location of the citizens.”
In an attempt to justify the decision, he called on stakeholders to prioritize cost-cutting measures in the appropriate areas, while also supporting lawmakers with the necessary resources to fulfill their responsibilities with honesty and efficiency.
He maintained that the vehicles are not status symbols, but rather essential tools for carrying out their responsibilities as elected officials.
He argued that the vehicles would enable them to better serve their constituencies, reach the constituencies, and carry out oversight functions.
He further noted that the vehicles are not personal property and will remain the property of the 10th assembly, from 2023 to 2027.
He explained that the lawmakers will have the option to purchase the vehicles at the end of their term, but the vehicles will not be theirs during their tenure.
Rep. Akin added that if the government’s current policy on the disposal of assets remains in place in 2027, lawmakers may have the opportunity to purchase the vehicles prior to the end of their term, but only under certain conditions.
He stated that the vehicles will become the personal property of the lawmakers at that point.
Punch