Protests have erupted in Abuja and Lagos as outraged youths voice their opposition to the allocation of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for members of the National Assembly, valued at N160 million each.
In Lagos, a large gathering of young protesters in the Ikeja area held placards and chanted slogans such as ‘Fund education, not SUVs,’ ‘Pay a living wage, not SUVs,’ ‘Return the SUVs Now,’ and ‘Fund hospitals, not SUVs.’ They decried the insensitivity of lawmakers purchasing luxury vehicles with public funds while a majority of the population grapples with hardship.
Juwon Sanyaolu, one of the protesters, expressed the prevailing sentiment, saying, “Workers are still struggling for a living wage as the N33,000 minimum wage is not sustainable, yet we have people at the National Assembly taking delivery of exotic vehicles worth about N160 billion. Students are dropping out of school due to high fees. It’s insensitive; they must return the SUVs and fund education.”
He further questioned, “They’re the ones receiving hardship allowance. What hardship are they facing? What hard work are they doing?” In Abuja, another group of protesters gathered at the Unity Fountain to voice their disapproval. Emmanuel Larry, one of the protesters, pointed out that the current situation, with fuel priced at N650 per liter, has intensified public frustration. Lawmakers acquiring N160 million SUVs while the public suffers only adds to the dissatisfaction.
Reports indicate that members of the House of Representatives (the Green Chamber) have already begun receiving their SUVs, while senators (the Red Chamber) are expected to receive the first batch of vehicles this week. The final installment of the SUVs for use by lawmakers is anticipated to arrive before December.
The decision by the leadership of the National Assembly to procure imported SUVs for every legislator and bulletproof vehicles for principal officers has sparked widespread criticism. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed an application in a Federal High Court in Lagos to prevent lawmakers from taking delivery of the SUVs until the court hears and rules on SERAP’s injunction application.
The controversy surrounding the allocation of luxury vehicles in the face of pressing economic challenges has generated public debate and sparked calls for greater transparency and accountability in government spending.
While the controversy over the allocation of expensive SUVs to lawmakers has stirred public anger, it has also served as a reminder of the need for responsible and transparent governance. Protests, such as the ones in Abuja and Lagos, have become a platform for the younger generation to demand accountability and fair allocation of public resources. As the nation grapples with economic challenges, this outcry may pave the way for reforms in government spending and a more equitable distribution of resources.
Source: [Punch]
