Peter Obi Expresses Concern Over N60 Billion SUV Allocation For Lawmakers

The presidential hopeful from the Labour Party, Peter Obi, expressed deep concern over the allocation of N60 billion for SUVs to federal lawmakers, emphasizing that these funds could have been more wisely directed towards the ailing healthcare system. In a statement posted on his X handle on Thursday, Obi decried the mismanagement of funds that has become a prevalent issue on a national scale.

The former governor of Anambra State went on to suggest that the lawmakers should have opted for Nigerian-made vehicles, such as those produced by Innoson or Nord, to bolster domestic production. In his view, this would not only promote local industries but also contribute to job creation and economic growth.

“The recent expenditure of N60 billion for the purchase of SUV vehicles for about 400 legislators is a continuation of the troubling trend in our nation today. We have continued to abandon critical areas of development while expending scarce resources on needless luxury and creating comforts for those elected to serve the people,” Obi remarked.

He further highlighted the dire state of the primary healthcare system in the country, emphasizing that allocating such a substantial amount for luxury vehicles while neglecting essential sectors is troubling. Obi drew attention to the alarming infant mortality rate, surpassing even India, a country with seven times Nigeria’s population.

“To allocate such a huge amount, which is more than what we allocated to our primary health care, is nothing but troubling. One-third of that amount, with proper negotiation, would have given them locally manufactured SUV vehicles from Innoson Motors, PAN, or any local auto assembly plant, to help boost our economy and create and retain jobs,” he suggested.

Reflecting on his tenure as the governor of Anambra State, Obi disclosed that he opted for cost-effective vehicles for his cabinet members. He stressed the need for a similar approach at the federal level to minimize expenditure.

“Upon my being sworn in as the then Governor of Anambra State, I observed that our State High Court Judges, State Government Permanent Secretaries, and newly appointed State Commissioners had no vehicles. Anambra State Government had then ordered two bulletproof SUV vehicles for my use. I cancelled the order and used the same money to negotiate concessionary pricing with Peugeot Automobiles to supply us Sixty 406 vehicles, which was enough for all the cabinet members including myself and my deputy governor. We used the vehicles for our first tenure and were able to commence the work of doing more in the areas of health, education, and lifting people out of poverty,” Obi elaborated.

He emphasized that such extravagant expenditures would not have been entertained during his administration. Obi’s approach during his tenure in Anambra State, where he prioritized practicality and cost-effectiveness, stands as a stark contrast to the perceived excesses of the current federal government’s spending.

In October, the leadership of the National Assembly sparked controversy by announcing the purchase of N160 million worth of exotic Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for each lawmaker, along with bulletproof vehicles for principal officers. The total estimated cost for the SUVs for the 109 Senators and 360 members of the House of Representatives reached N57.6 billion.

Public disapproval has been strong, particularly given the economic challenges facing the country. Obi’s critique adds to the growing voices calling for a reevaluation of priorities, urging a more responsible and judicious use of public funds, especially in the face of pressing issues such as healthcare and poverty alleviation. This situation further underscores the need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to governance that addresses the real needs of the people.