The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Services, Sunday Karimi, has defended the decision to purchase Toyota Landcruisers and Toyota Prados for the 469 members of the National Assembly, amidst public criticisms. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Senator Karimi emphasized that the poor state of Nigerian roads warranted the acquisition of these vehicles.
Addressing the Senate Press Corps, Senator Karimi highlighted the double standards in public criticisms, questioning why lawmakers were being singled out when ministers, who are confirmed by the Senators, also invest in expensive and latest vehicles for their fleets.
“Ministers possess more than three Land Cruisers, Prados, and other vehicles, and yet they are not subjected to the same scrutiny. Why should the National Assembly members be treated differently?” queried Senator Karimi, who represents the Kogi West Senatorial district.
He further explained, “The issue of purchasing vehicles for National Assembly members is a recurring one—it arises in every Assembly and will continue to do so. Even before the state houses of assembly are inaugurated, the governors provide them with vehicles, as do local government chairmen. In fact, I drive the same vehicle as my local government chairman. So, why target the National Assembly?”
Sounding a note of empathy, Senator Karimi drew attention to the detrimental impact of the nation’s road conditions on personal vehicles. He shared his personal experience, stating, “If you travel to Nigerian roads today, every time I visit my senatorial district, I incur significant expenses on my vehicle repairs due to the deplorable state of our roads.”
It is worth recalling that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) recently filed a lawsuit asking the Federal High Court in Lagos to halt the procurement and delivery of luxury and bulletproof cars for members and principal officials of the National Assembly.
