By Becky Usman

In a display of defiance, Labour Party lawmakers in the National Assembly have chosen to disregard the counsel of the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, who urged them not to accept the luxurious official vehicles planned for legislators.

Abure, in a statement issued on Monday, expressed his disapproval of the alleged plan by the National Assembly leadership to purchase Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) valued at N160 million for each lawmaker. He characterized this alleged plan as insensitive and reprehensible, considering the challenging economic situation in the country, and urged lawmakers elected under the Labour Party banner not to participate in such extravagant spending.

However, when questioned on Thursday about whether Labour Party lawmakers would adhere to Abure’s directives, Ngozi Okolie, the lawmaker representing Delta Aniocha North and South, asserted that Abure’s demands were unrealistic, especially because he had not presented any alternatives to facilitate their legislative responsibilities.

Okolie explained, “The SUVs are intended to support our duties as lawmakers, especially in the context of our oversight responsibilities. Yes, he may argue that the economy is facing challenges, but having one official vehicle for federal lawmakers isn’t extravagant; it’s a necessity.”

She emphasized that Nigerians tend to criticize lawmakers for such matters, while politicians at the state level often enjoy more benefits than their federal counterparts.