Senate
Leader. Ali Ndume, was a guest on Channels TV this morning where he spoke on
the controversial N4.7 billion reportedly meant for the purchase of new cars
for each senator to carry out their oversight function. Ndume queried why
Senators are expected to pack themselves in a coastal bus when carrying out
their duties when Ministers and Local Government Chairmen have official cars.
According to Ndume, Senators have not taken delivery of the cars as the budget
has not been passed.
"No
not yet. Money has been budgeted but the budget has not been passed and you
know there is this public debate going on that Senators should not buy cars.
Look I am a senator representing 9 Local governments. A Minister was appointed,
36 of them. All of them are driving a convoy of at least 4 cars. By protocol I
am the senate leader. For example, I came with a car. I don't mind for example
but what happens to my rights and privileges. For me personally, I don't care
about driving a particular car. I move with any car but what happens to my
rights and privilege as a Senate leader. For example the revenue and mobilization
commission n their entitlements to my own office, are saying the senate leader
should own two cars. We are supposed to do oversight as you know. Should I use
my private car to do that?" he said
When
asked why senators cannot ride in a coastal bus, he said
"How
can I be going in a bus? You want me as a Senator to go in a bus? Senators
going in a bus is as a matter of choice. When Senators are going to one place
outside Abuja, how do you expect to pack them in a bus? Lets be honest. We are
not buying cars for Senators. No. We are buying cars so that they will use
those vehicles for committee work"he said
Asked
if they will be made in Nigeria vehicles, he said "Well that one is
another thing".
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