Labour Party lawmakers in the National Assembly have decided to go against the advice of their party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, who had criticised the plan to purchase Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) worth N160 million each for federal legislators.
Abure’s statement had described the plan as insensitive and urged Labour Party lawmakers not to accept the luxury vehicles.
In response to the party chairman’s advice, some Labour Party lawmakers have expressed their intent to accept the official vehicles, emphasising the importance of these vehicles in carrying out their legislative duties.
They noted that these vehicles are essential for conducting oversight functions.
According to Ngozi Okolie, a Labour Party lawmaker representing Delta Aniocha North and South, the vehicles are necessary work tools for lawmakers.
He pointed out that state-level politicians receive more benefits than federal lawmakers, making the official vehicles essential.
Stainless Nwodo, a Labour Party lawmaker representing Igbo Etiti and Uzo-Uwani constituencies in Enugu State, commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the official vehicles.
Nwodo noted that the SUVs would be used to benefit constituents and facilitate visits to constituents in challenging areas.
On the other hand, the lawmaker representing Edo South Senatorial District, Neda Imasuen, mentioned that he would wait for the arrival of the vehicles before making a decision.
