‘Lawmakers can’t trek to work’ — Umeh defends N’Assembly’s N110bn spending on SUVs

Senator Victor Umeh has defended the provision of official vehicles for members of the National Assembly, insisting that lawmakers require official transportation to effectively carry out their legislative responsibilities.

Speaking amid criticism over spending on lawmakers’ vehicles, Umeh argued that members of the National Assembly were being unfairly singled out for public criticism.

“Why is the National Assembly singled out for lampooning? You cannot be faulted for having one official vehicle, one, not two, not a fleet. I’m not a principal officer in the National Assembly, I’m just a senator representing my senatorial district, and I’m entitled to an official car to do my work,” he said.

The senator maintained that official vehicles are necessary tools for public office holders and should not be portrayed as luxury items.

“If the only way Nigeria can be good is for senators to be trekking to work, well, I don’t think we’re being serious,” Umeh added.

His remarks come amid continued public debate over government spending and welfare packages for elected officials, particularly following criticism of expenditures on vehicles and allowances for federal lawmakers.

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