A Civil Society Organization, (CSO), Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the National Assembly (NASS) over its plan to buy Prado SUV worth N130 million to each of the principal officers, and lawmakers.
The CSO, in a terse statement released on Monday evening, confirmed that it has filed for an injunction to stop the planned purchase which will cost NASS N40 billion.
The suit is “an urgent application for an injunction to stop Nigeria’s National Assembly from taking delivery of 465 exotic and bulletproof cars [worth N40bn] for members and principal officials, pending the determination of the lawsuit on the matter.”
The CSO filed the urgent application after lawmakers insisted on purchasing the cars despite criticisms from Nigerians.
While defending the decision, Rep. Rotimi Akin, the spokesperson of the House of Reps said it is the tradition of NASS to procure utility vehicles for members.
Akin said the lawmakers will need the luxurious vehicles for oversight functions in the discharge of their duties within the standing committees.
He emphasized the importance of the vehicles in enhancing the performance of lawmakers’ duties, especially when it comes to oversight functions in various regions of the country.
Akin said the aim was to ensure that government interventions, programs, and policies were effectively carried out, no matter where Nigerian citizens reside.
He urged stakeholders to focus on reducing costs in the right areas while supporting lawmakers in their efforts to fulfill their duties effectively and with integrity.
According to him, the vehicles are work tools and not status symbols, intended to facilitate improved representation, constituency outreach, and oversight functions by elected representatives
He also added that the vehicles are not personal gifts and will remain property of the 10th assembly, spanning from 2023 to 2027, though the lawmakers can buy them at the end of their tenure.
”However, should the government’s extant assets deboarding policy still be in place at the end of the assembly’s tenure in 2027, lawmakers may have the option to purchase the vehicles before they become their property,” Akin concluded.
