Southeast APC chieftain, Mba berates Abure over stand on proposed purchase of SUVs vehicles to legislators
By Emeruwa Chinedu Emeruwa
Mr Iyke Mba, stalwart of the governing All Progressives Congress(APC) in Nigeria, has on Thursday, berated the national leadership of the labour party over a recent position on national assembly’s proposal to purchase bulletproof Sports Utility vehicles (SUVs) for federal legislators.
Reports had appeared on social media that each of the SUVs is valued at N160 million, totalling N57.6 billion for the purchase of the vehicles.
Reacting on Tuesday against the backdrops, the national chairman of the labour party, Barrister Julius Abure called on lawmakers elected under the party platform in current tenth national assembly to kick against this unnecessary wastage of resources in line with the ideology of the party which is social justice and equal opportunity for all.
Abure said “Nigerians will hold them responsible if they fail to live above board or give proper account of the electoral investment reposed in them.
“Nigerians are fed up with the status quo and they crave for a different leadership that must factor the interest of the suffering masses. The poor must be allowed to breath again in this country”.
However, Mr Mba, while earlier baring its minds in a statement issued on Thursday, reminded Mr Julius Abure that Nigeria is grappled with a surge in insecurity, including terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, which directly affects the lives of its citizens hence an urgent importance for executive arm of Nigeria government to prioritize the safety and security of legislators.
According to Abia party stalwart, “the procurement of bulletproof SUVs for the federal lawmakers will provide an additional layer of protection, which is essential in the current security climate.
“The acquisition of bulletproof vehicle for legislators will serve as a deterrent to potential attackers. By visibly showcasing enhanced security measures, it sends a strong message that the government takes the safety of its representatives seriously.
“This will discourage criminal from targeting legislators, thereby contributing to the overall security of the country.
“This will sends a message of reassurances to the public, fostering trust and confidence in the government‘s ability to address security challenges effectively,”he added.
Continuing, Mr Mba however described the latest position of the opposition labour party as insensitive to the insecurity currently plaguing the country.
He stated partly “We must consider the safety of our legislators, otherwise we will expose them to the threat of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and all other criminals who might target them for ransom or outright assassination.
“Let us eschew party sentiments and do the right thing for those that we elected to represent us”.
