The Audu-Faleke political organisation has slammed the Governor Yahaya Bello-led government in Kogi State over the mind-boggling vehicle purchase bazaar involving the administration.
In a statement on behalf of the group by its Director, Media and Publicity, Duro Meseko, they noted that it was the height of insensitivity to the current appalling plight of Kogi indigenes for the government to splash over a billion naira to purchase luxury cars and trucks for some political appointees and top government officials.
“We find it hard to believe that despite repeated admonitions by well meaning groups and individuals, the Yahaya Bello administration still went ahead on an unimaginable flight of fancy by purchasing expensive vehicles for use by some aides of the governor and the governor himself. Credible information reaching us indicate that Ford SUVs(jeeps) worth N18 Million per one and Ford Ranger Truck(pickup van) worth N6 Million per one were purchased for the 21 local government caretaker chairmen in the state totalling N504 million. This is aside the 70 Ford Ranger trucks purportedly purchased for the Police totalling N420 million.
And of course different from the N135 million bullet proof Range Rover ordered for the governor and being shipped home presently. We also have on good authority the official BMW already purchased for the office of the Chief of Staff to the governor as well as a G-Wagon Mercedes Ben! The repairs and maintenance of the Chief of Staff, is fleet are currently done at Coscharis motors in Abuja.
“We are really sad with the way our commonwealth in Kogi is being managed under the leadership, of Yahaha Bello. Even the President of the country, Muhammadu Buhari, has not changed his official car since he assumed office. What happened to the official vehicles in these local governments? What is wrong with the official vehicles left behind for the governor by the previous administrations? Must a responsive administration be this insensitive to the people who eagerly voted for good governance?
“As we speak, the socio-economic plight of Kogi people is frightening, with unpaid salaries up to the roof while basic amenities have become a mirage. Should the government not have been more prudent in the allocation of the state,s scarce resources instead of recklessly wasting it? The time has come for all men of conscience and goodwill to call Bello to order. Need we remind him that Kogi State is bleeding and chocking right now? We certainly cannot go on like this,” the statement declared.
