Enugu Governor To Spend ₦1.95 Billion On Exotic Vehicles For 24 LP, PDP Lawmakers

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State plans to spend ₦1.95 billion on new Toyota Prado Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for the 24 state House of Assembly members.

Naija News reports that the amount is contained in the state’s 2024 appropriation bill of ₦521.5 billion signed into law.

The budget comprises ₦414.3 billion earmarked for capital expenditure, which represents 79 percent of the ₦521.5 billion, and ₦107.2 billion recurrent expenditure, which is 21 percent of the estimate.

According to SaharaReporters, a check on the 2024 budget showed that ₦1,950,000,000 was approved for “Procurement of Toyota Prado jeep for newly elected House members.”

However, Mbah’s action to buy cars for lawmakers has been described as a misplacement of priority for a state said to be cash-strapped amidst economic challenges facing the state.

Critics claimed residents of the state, like other Nigerians, are going through a spike in the cost of living and hunger.

The opposition Labour Party has the majority of the 24 lawmakers in the state assembly, with 14 seats against 10 won by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).