N160 Million SUVs: ‘It Is Irresponsible For Tinubu To Borrow Money At This Time’

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Segun Showunmi, has asserted that it would be irresponsible for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to borrow money to acquire Utility Sport Vehicles for legislators.

Naija news reports that the vehicle acquisition, reportedly worth N160 million each, has remained a topic of discussion in the political space considering the current economic situation in the country.

In a post via X, formerly known as Twitter, Segun said it would be wrong to purchase such vehicles at a time the country is faced with scarce resources.

He further urged the opposition lawmakers to show good examples by refusing foreign SUVs, adding that there is no law that says they cannot reject the vehicle.

He said, “It is irresponsible for @officialABAT government to go around the world looking to borrow money and at same time be profligate with scarce resources. This is no time to buy foreign suv. Period.

“Dear PDP legislators please show good examples by refusing any foreign SUV at this time. There is no law that says you cannot refuse.”

Meanwhile, Labour Party lawmakers in the National Assembly have kicked against the advice of the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, not to be a part of the luxury official vehicles being planned for legislators.

Naija News recalls that Abure, in a statement on Monday, said the National Assembly leadership was planning to buy a Sport Utility Vehicle worth N160 million for each lawmaker.

Abure said considering the current economic situation in the country, such a plan is insensitive and urged the LP lawmakers not to be a part of the frivolous spending.

However, in an interview with PUNCH on Thursday, some LP lawmakers expressed their reservations about Abure’s demands, insisting the cars were for oversight functions.

The lawmaker representing Delta Aniocha North and South, Ngozi Okolie, admitted that the economy is struggling, but the SUVs aren’t frivolous but a necessity.

Okolie noted that Nigerians were quick to attack lawmakers over such acquisition, whereas politicians at the state level get more benefits than federal lawmakers.