The Senate has defended its decision to purchase Prado Land Cruiser Sports Utility Vehicles for 469 federal lawmakers, asserting that the public outcry is misdirected. Sunday Karimi, Chairman of the Senate Services Committee, expressed his disappointment with the media attention surrounding the vehicle procurement, which has become a recurring practice.
Karimi, during an interview with journalists in Abuja, emphasized that the Senate took various factors into account, including cost-effectiveness, durability, and the deplorable condition of many Nigerian roads when opting for the SUVs. He argued that the scrutiny of lawmakers’ utility vehicles was unjust, especially when compared to the executive branch, where unelected ministers often travel in convoys with multiple similar vehicles without public criticism.
He questioned the media’s silence regarding ministers who possess more than three Land Cruisers and Prados, among other vehicles, while scrutinizing lawmakers. Karimi also pointed out that the state of Nigerian roads necessitates frequent vehicle maintenance, further justifying the choice of the Land Cruisers.
He clarified that the decision to use Land Cruisers was based on a comprehensive analysis, considering cost, technical issues, and durability on Nigerian roads. This decision-making process was not exclusive to the senators but followed a standard practice. Karimi also mentioned that similar vehicle procurement occurs in state houses of assembly and local government councils.
Addressing the cost of the vehicles, he explained that the Senate had existing liabilities totaling over N16 billion, which included vehicles from previous assemblies. This debt was held by suppliers who had not been paid for vehicles delivered in the past. Karimi suggested that the price of Land Cruisers supplied to the Senate might include a margin above the market price due to the outstanding liabilities, which incurred additional charges like VAT and taxes.