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Just In: Federal Government Proposed N160 Million SUVs For National Assembly Members
Just In: Federal Government Proposed N160 Million SUVs For National Assembly Members....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Findings reveal that the National Assembly’s proposed N160 million Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for legislators contravene the prescribed package for lawmakers set by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
Amid controversies over the planned vehicle acquisition, considering the nation’s economic situation, the National Assembly insists it is procuring “operational vehicles” for all 469 members. However, federal lawmakers have chosen luxurious SUVs instead of more cost-effective sedan and saloon cars, thereby violating the revenue package established by the RMAFC.
Section 84 of the Nigerian 1999 constitution empowers the RMAFC to determine the salaries and allowances of public officials, including members of the National Assembly. The constitution stipulates that remuneration shall not exceed the amount determined by the RMAFC.
In recent years, the RMFAC published details of remuneration packages for political, public, and judicial office holders, which indicated that members of the National Assembly were entitled to car loans, not operational vehicles. These loans were not to exceed 400 percent of their annual basic salaries.
Despite the economic challenges faced by Nigerians, the 10th National Assembly has disregarded RMFAC’s recommendations and opted to purchase luxury vehicles for “legislative oversight.” This decision has been met with widespread criticism, as many view it as insensitive.
Reacting to the controversy, a member of the House of Representatives, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed that the House rejected saloon cars and opted for Toyota Prado or Toyota Land Cruisers due to lawmakers’ past experiences where they didn’t use the cars provided for official functions.
Critics have expressed dismay at the lawmakers’ preference for foreign brands, arguing that they could have supported the local automobile industry by purchasing Nigerian-made vehicles. Despite the growth of the Nigerian automobile industry, with brands like Innoson and Nord producing high-end vehicles, Nigerian lawmakers seem to favor foreign options.
The lawmakers’ inclination toward luxury vehicles stands in contrast to Nigeria’s economic realities and the calls for reduced governance costs. The House of Representatives has stated that members have the option to retain the vehicles at the end of their tenure in 2027, provided they settle their dues with the National Assembly. However, this move has raised concerns about the misalignment between lawmakers’ preferences and the country’s economic situation.
It’s important to note that the National Assembly has frequently set their allowances above RMFAC’s prescribed amounts, including distributing N2 million to each member as recess allowances in July, surpassing the 10 percent of annual basic salary established by law.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, of denying the founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, approval to construct the ‘Hand of God’ Cathedral in Rivers State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that Wike made the allegation while addressing a town hall meeting, in a video that has since circulated online.
According to the minister, Ibiyeomie had sought approval to build the cathedral when Amaechi was governor of Rivers State but was allegedly denied permission.
Wike questioned Amaechi’s decision to attend services at the same church, suggesting that his recent visit was politically motivated.
The FCT minister also accused the former governor of refusing to grant the founder of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, approval to construct a church. He claimed that he granted the approval after taking over as governor, enabling the cleric to proceed with the project.
Wike said:
“There is this leading pastor, one of our respected pastors in this country, who is from my place and doing very well.
“When he was to build that church (Hand of God Cathedral), the ADC vice-presidential candidate was the Rivers State Governor. He refused to give approval to the pastor.
“Somebody else gave approval, and now the church is going on. Yesterday, I saw the vice-presidential candidate going to that same church to worship.
“Because he wants power now, he forgets what he did. There is another one, the OPM Ministry. He refused to give the OPM pastor approval, but when I came, I gave the man approval, and the man built the church. I heard the vice-presidential candidate wants to go and worship there too.
“Why do you like to fake things, telling people lies? I will not do so.”
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has defended the ₦10 million reward promised by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to councillors who deliver their respective wards for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Yilwatda dismissed criticism of the pledge, insisting that it did not amount to vote buying.
Naija News reports that the APC chairman made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday.
Wike had made the promise at a political gathering in Kwali Area Council, where he pledged to give each councillor ₦10 million if they secured victory for Tinubu and other APC candidates in their wards in 2027.
According to Yilwatda, the offer was directed at approximately 60 councillors in the FCT and was intended to encourage them to intensify their political mobilisation efforts.
When asked whether the promise amounted to electoral inducement, the APC chairman argued that political parties routinely provide funds for mobilisation.
“Which political party doesn’t release money for mobilisation? Which political party? So, tell me one. No, it’s not for votes,” he said.
Yilwatda compared the proposed payment to a reward given to students who perform exceptionally well in examinations.
He further argued that the money would only be paid after the election results had been announced and all legal processes concluded, insisting that it could not influence voters or determine the outcome of the election.
“It matters because if the money is given after the election has been concluded and the winner has been declared and there’s nothing at stake again… that you legally deliver your ward by giving you ₦10 million,” he said.
When pressed further on whether the pledge constituted vote buying, Yilwatda responded, “Never.”
On the possibility of Senate President Godswill Akpabio retaining his position if re-elected in 2027, the APC chairman said it was too early to make such a determination.
“Let’s wait for the election first. I don’t have anybody in mind. The Senate will determine who they want to make the Senate President,” he stated.
Yilwatda also expressed sympathy for victims of pre-election violence, warning party supporters against engaging in attacks.
“Our party stands for free and fair elections,” he added.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has urged voters across the South-East to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 general election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Uzodinma warned that ongoing development projects in the region could be discontinued if Tinubu fails to secure a second term in office.
He made the appeal on Monday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally held in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
The governor encouraged residents of the South-East to participate actively in the forthcoming election by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and voting for Tinubu.
He stressed that their participation would play a significant role in determining the country’s political direction.
Uzodinma also referenced an address delivered by Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, during the rally, in which he presented a charter of needs outlining the expectations of the South-East and Nigerians generally.
According to the Imo governor, the demands and expectations highlighted by Nwifuru should guide the people’s decisions as they prepare for the 2027 presidential election.
He said, “I saw the governor of Ebonyi State in his address. He read what is called the Charter of Needs for the people, for South-East people, and indeed for Nigeria.
“Our responsibility will start from now to go and look for our PVC. That is the weapon, because if President Tinubu is not re-elected, all these ongoing projects will stop. So we have to sharpen our weapon, and our weapon is our voter card.”
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