Anambra Lawmakers’ Honourable Choice
In Nigeria today, lawmaking is mentioned in the same breath with luxury-living. The power, prestige and perks of office of a Nigerian lawmaker can be irresistible.
One of the common things that show a lawmaker has ‘arrived’ is his or her brand new SUV. But it is no longer news that Anambra State House of Assembly legislators have rejected to be gifted foreign-made Prado SUVs at a time Nigeria’s federal lawmakers are jostling for such wonders on wheels.
In Nigeria, lawmakers are often synonymous with ostentation and disregard for public conscience.
It’s not the same with Anambra legislators who have demonstrated an enviable sense of public interest and loyalty to the people. SocietyWatch gathered that the purchase of Toyota Prado SUVs would have cost the state’s taxpayers almost N1billion. Magnanimously, the lawmakers chose an honourable path requesting to have SUVs locally-made by Innoson Motors Limited.
They deserved a standing ovation. But that is not enough. Other lawmakers, particularly at the federal level, who are notorious for spending extravagantly on automobiles, should take a cue from the Anambra legislators.
The lawmakers must also be saluted for being able to look the state governor in the eye and say, ‘We don’t want Prado Jeeps!’
Meanwhile, SocietyWatch has learnt that some South-East and South-South states have been patronizing Innoson Motors.
The auto manufacturer’s factory is incidentally in Anambra State. So, why shouldn’t charity begin at home? It will be recalled that Nigerian senators preferred Toyota Land Cruiser.
The Eighth Senate spent at least N4 billion at that time to purchase the brand. With the estimated current price of the vehicle now N50 million, the current Senate might need about N5.550 billion to get enough quantity for its members, and two additional vehicles.