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CSJ Describes Purchase of SUV to Lawmakers in this Time as Insensitive
CSJ Describes Purchase of SUV to Lawmakers in this Time as Insensitive
By: Michael Mike
Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) has described as insensitive the purchase of Toyota SUVs worth about N130 million each as official vehicles to members of House of Representatives against the background of Nigeria’s perilous fiscal position, insisting that from all indications money was borrowed to buy the exotic cars for the lawmakers
A statement jointly signed by the NGO Good Governance Manager, Victor Emejuiwe, and Public Finance Management, Sundayson Chidi said the organisation noted “with regret the confirmation by the House of Representatives, that it is taking delivery of Toyota SUVs worth about N130 million each as official vehicles.
“According to the Chairman, House Committee on Media, Akin Rotimi, the vehicles allocated to the Honourable Members was in accordance with extant procurement law and this has been the practice in previous Assemblies.
“He justified the purchase of the vehicle stating that this is not peculiar to the legislature as unelected government officials in the executive, precisely from the level of Director and above have official vehicles attached to their offices.”
The statement said: “Furthermore, the committee chairman asserted that the vehicles which will be allocated to the offices of the honourable members are utility operational vehicles tied to their oversight functions in the discharge of their duties in standing committees; they are not personal vehicles gifted to honourable members.”
The statement added that: “CSJ and indeed all right-thinking Nigerians are extremely troubled about this development against the background of Nigeria’s perilous fiscal position. The 2022 year-to-end budget implementation report confirmed that 96 percent of Nigeria’s revenue was used for debt service, thus implying that only 4 percent was available for personnel, overheads and capital expenditures and this trajectory has worsened in 2023.
“The implication of this is that Nigeria is borrowing to buy these vehicles at a time we are unable to meet foreign exchange obligations to service providers like airline operators and manufacturers who can no longer secure foreign exchange for the purchase of raw materials.”
The CSJ said “Nigerians expected reduction in cost of governance but instead the Honourable Members in an insensitive manner increased the burden on the people. Even if the legislators have to drive SUVs, they could as well have bought same from local manufacturers.
“By their action, the Representatives have not only exported jobs, denied government of personal income tax and corporate income tax of the workers and companies respectively; they have put further pressure on the exchange rate of the Naira which is currently trading at its lowest ebb since independence. By their actions, they have contributed in no small measure to the economic adversity of Nigeria.
“The legislators have failed to realize that it is part of their duty to stop public office holders from abusing public resources, rather they have chosen to justify their SUVs acquisition on the grounds that other officials are acquiring SUVs. If legislators cannot improve the living conditions of Nigerians, they have no right and it is not part of their duty to worsen the living standards of the majority who stayed under the sun and rain to cast their votes for them.”
“In the light of the foregoing, we are demanding that these vehicles be returned to wherever they were bought from and the treasury reimbursed,” the CSJ asked.
CSJ Describes Purchase of SUV to Lawmakers in this Time as Insensitive
Maiduguri Flood: UN Pledges Support To Borno Flood Victims
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations (UN) has pro used to support the Borno State government in rescuing and assisting people trapped by the severe flood that devastated the state capital Maiduguri and its environs.
Mohammed Malik Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, made the announcement in Maiduguri on Saturday, while paying an assessment visit to the areas affected by flood.
Fall emphasised that the visit was aimed at gathering first-hand information on the flood victims and determining their immediate and long-term needs.
He disclosed that the floods have claimed the lives of 37 people, with 58 others hospitalised due to injuries and health complications.
Fall said: “Today’s visit to Borno was to meet with the affected flood victims, local authorities, humanitarian partners, government officials, and representatives from UN agencies and donors.”
The floods have so far displaced over 414,000 residents across Maiduguri and parts of Jere Local Council, while also damaging critical infrastructure, including bridges, hospitals, schools, and markets.
These disruptions have hindered healthcare services and business activities, further complicating the lives of those affected.
The UN’s top priority, according to Fall, is the immediate evacuation and rescue of people in high-risk areas, followed by providing essential supplies and support.
He also expressed concerns about the potential for disease outbreaks due to the flooding.
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, who was also present during the visit, called for a comprehensive flood disaster assessment in collaboration with the UN and development partners.
He said: “We need reliable data on the extent of damage to both lives and property,” stressing that the federal and state governments cannot manage the crisis alone.
The governor further mentioned plans for cash transfers to support the flood victims, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing the ongoing disaster.
As the situation evolves, both the UN and the Borno State government are working closely to provide relief and prevent further loss of life.
Maiduguri Flood: UN Pledges Support To Borno Flood Victims
Yobe Govt. Supports Borno Flood Victims
By: Mamman Mohammed
Yobe state government has donated N100m assistance to Borno state government in support to victims of the Maiduguri floods.
Yobe state Governor His Excellency Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, presented the donation on Saturday during a sympathy visit to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum in Maiduguri.
Gov. Buni also announced a personal donation of foodstuff worth N50 million to the victims.
He described the Humanitarian crisis as catastrophic that calls for support and assistance from everyone.
“Yobe and Borno states are like twins that have suffered similar fate, and needs the support of one another” he said.
Buni prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the flood and speedy recovery for the injured persons.
Gov. Zulum commended the government and people of Yobe state for the kind-hearted support to their brothers in Borno state.
“The people of Yobe and Borno states remain one united family, what affects one, affects the other.
“l am proud to say that His Excellency, my elder brother, Governor Mai Mala Buni, has since assumption of office as Governor of Yobe state strengthened the ties and brotherhood between Borno and Yobe states more than ever.
“Your administration has on several occasions identified with the government and people of Borno state.
“The government and people of Borno state deeply appreciate Your Excellency for this very kind gesture” Gov. Zulum said.
Yobe Govt. Supports Borno Flood Victims
Nigerian troops raids Boko Haram hideout, eliminate 3 Boko Terrorists in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian troops of Sector 1 Operation Hadin Kai have eliminated three terrorists in a daring operation, Mafa Local Government Area, Borno State in the early morning of Sept 14, 2024
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops under the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Desert Sanity III, conducted a raid on terrorist hideouts in Ngwom community at approximately 5:30 am.
The troops in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), made contact with the terrorists at 7:58 am. During the intense firefight, three terrorists were neutralized.
Fortunately, there were no reported casualties among the Nigerian troops.
Nigerian troops raids Boko Haram hideout, eliminate 3 Boko Terrorists in Borno
Maiduguri Flood: UN Pledges Support To Borno Flood Victims
Yobe Govt. Supports Borno Flood Victims
Nigerian troops raids Boko Haram hideout, eliminate 3 Boko Terrorists in Borno
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