Buying SUVs for lawmakers is a form of subsidy, according to public affairs analyst, Marcus Ijioma.
Ijioma said this on Nigeria Info’s Hard Facts after reports claimed that National Assembly members are set to receive SUVs worth about N57.6 billion.
Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Rotimi Akin, confirmed on Sunday that the vehicles are not personal gifts, but are intended for oversight functions, remain the property of the National Assembly, and lawmakers may buy them at the end of their tenure.
Reacting to this, Ijioma said the National Assembly is becoming quite expensive, and suggested that the 'subsidy' on that arm of government be removed.
“It's time to remove subsidy from National Assembly…we can no longer subsidise their lifestyle,” he said.
He also suggested that the lawmakers take car loans from the banks instead of spending millions on vehicles that may be bought off at a “giveaway price” at the end of the Assembly’s tenure.
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