The Audu/Faleke Political Organisation has berated the Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello-led administration for its “boggling” vehicle purchase bazaar.
In a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Duro Meseko, the group said it was the height of insensitivity for the government to splash money on luxury vehicles.
The statement reads: “We find it hard to believe that despite repeated admonitions by well-meaning persons, the government went ahead to purchase expensive vehicles for some government officials and the governor himself.
“Information indicate that Ford Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) worth N18 million each and Ford Ranger Truck (pickup van) bvalued at N6 million each, were purchased for the 21 caretaker chairmen, totaling N504 million.
“This is aside the 70 Ford Ranger Trucks purportedly purchased for the Police totaling N420 million; of course, different from the N135 million bullet proof Range Rover ordered for the governor and being shipped home presently.
“We are sad with the way our commonwealth is being managed under Yahaha Bello. Even President Muhammadu Buhari has not changed his official car since he assumed office. What happened to the official vehicles in these councils? 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 the 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 scarce resources?
“The time has come for all men of conscience and goodwill to call Yahaya Bello to order. Need we remind him that Kogi is bleeding and chocking right now; we certainly cannot go on like this.”