The Kano State Government has confirmed the purchases of 41 ‘exotic’ sports utility vehicles, SUVs, each valued at N68 million, for members of the State House of Assembly.
Admitting the development, the Kano State Government, through the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi, said it is the right of the lawmakers to be provided with sound working vehicles.
The lawmakers are said to have already taken possession of the SUVs, totalling about N2.6 billion.
According to the Chief of Staff, the governor having considered the economic situation, directed that the contractor be made to understand the need to spread the payment over a period of time.
Sagagi emphasised that the governor’s action is based on respect for the rights and obligations of all tiers of government.
He added that the governor remains committed to the well-being of every arm of government and the people of the State in general.
A ranking lawmaker, who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity, also defended the purchase of the SUVs.
‘’Why are you making a mountain out of a mole hill on the purchase of new vehicles for lawmakers? Previous administrations in the state did the same thing,” he said in response to the controversy trailing the purchase of the vehicles.
When reminded that the situation is not the same considering the current economic challenges in the country, the lawmaker said, “Do you realise that the vehicle will facilitate our oversight functions and would be used for other legislative works?”
