House of Reps defends vehicle allocation to members, says they are work tools
The House of Representatives has addressed the public outcry over the planned allocation of vehicles to its members, saying that the vehicles are not personal gifts but operational tools for oversight functions.
The House Spokesman and Chairman House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, issued a press release on Sunday, explaining the rationale behind the allocation of vehicles to the offices of honourable members.
He said that the vehicles are meant to help honourable members perform their duties in the standing committees and reach remote locations in the country where Nigerian citizens live and deserve effective representation. He said that the vehicles are not personal vehicles gifted to honourable members, but utility operational vehicles that will remain the property of the National Assembly until the end of the 10th Assembly in 2027.
He said that the procurement and distribution of the vehicles are in line with extant laws and have been the practice in previous assemblies. He also said that the vehicles are not peculiar to the legislature, as unelected officials in the executive arm of government have official vehicles attached to their offices.
He added that honourable members of the Green Chamber have resolved to maintain a respectable distance from the executive arm of government, especially in issues relating to logistical aspects of oversight functions. He said that this is part of the 10th Assembly’s objective to ensure its integrity and independence.
He said, “The vehicles are work tools, and not status symbols – Honourable Members are diligent and patriotic elected representatives and not entitled. The anticipated allocation of vehicles will contribute to improved representation, constituency outreach and oversight functions.”
He also assured that the House is committed to reducing the cost of governance in line with present realities. He said that the percentage of the component of the legislature’s budget as part of the national budget has been on a downward trend over the past decade, despite inflation and the expanding role and relevance of honourable members in the lives of citizens. He said that it currently stands at 0.5% of the federal budget.
He urged the public to “look in the right direction, and not cause disaffection for honourable members who want to discharge their duties effectively and above board, without being susceptible to inducement when the enablement to function is impaired.”
