Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, sparked controversy after distributing 24 brand-new Toyota Fortuner SUVs to members of the Kebbi State House of Assembly.
The governor, while praising the lawmakers for their dedication, handed over the vehicles during a ceremony in Brinin Kebbi.
Taking to social media to announce the gesture, Governor Idris expressed gratitude for the Assembly’s collaboration, emphasizing the importance of a harmonious relationship between the Executive and Legislative arms.
He even took part in a test drive with the Speaker of the Assembly, highlighting their commitment to serving the people of Kebbi State.
The governor made the donation on Tuesday in Brinin Kebbi, where he commended the lawmakers for their diligence.
Announcing the development on his X handle, Idris said; “I am honoured to fulfil my promise by distributing 24 First Class Toyota Jeeps to the dedicated members of the Kebbi State House of Assembly for their official engagements.
“Today, at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, I personally presented these vehicles, expressing gratitude for the Assembly’s cooperation and understanding. The harmonious working relationship between the Executive Arm and the Assembly has been paramount.
“In the spirit of collaboration, I joined the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Usman Muhammad Ankwe, in a test drive of the Jeep allocated to him. Let this be a symbol of our commitment to serving the people of Kebbi State diligently.”
This donation elicited negative reactions from residents and Nigerians, particularly on social media. Many criticized the move as insensitive, questioning the allocation of public funds for luxury vehicles amidst prevailing economic challenges.
Some lamented the lack of support for locally made-in-Nigeria vehicle manufacturers, advocating for more responsible fiscal decisions.
@Jollynony said; “Public money for “first class” luxury while the people God has allowed to be under you are dying of hunger. In this hardship?! How many tractors would this buy? How many schools? How many hospitals? How many drugs? How much food? Why do you people do this?! Why?”
Kalu Aja reacted; “I get it. These cars have to be bought; it’s the political game. But why not from PAN in the North? Or Nord in the West or Innoson in the East? These cars are imported, meaning you demanded Yen/Dollars, meaning this purchase caused the Yen/Dollar to get stronger and the Naira weaker. This is net imports, GDP falls, and jobs are exported from Nigeria to Japan. This is why the Naira is weak, not Binance. Please, I am not criticizing you blindly; you are a politician, I know why its important to keep your Assembly close but you can even mix this and add a few locally made. This purchase is not a top-100 priority for the State. Nigeria has a spending problem, not a revenue problem.”
Olabode Olajide said; “Are they made in Nigeria? If not, you ve just used Nigerians’ money to create jobs for Japanese and denied Nigerians same.”
Victor Wolemonwu reacted; “I just checked the cost of one brand new Toyota Fortuner. A Toyota Fortune costs $75,380. Since current exchange rate is N1500. It means the governor spent N75.5m for one car. Times 24, he spent a total of N1.8bn on cars. Yet, these fellows go around the globe begging for aids.”
OlorogunErnest wrote; “How much is the minimum wage in Kebbi state? Are pensioners paid promptly? What stopped you from purchasing made in Nigeria SUVs? Why are politicians so heartless and wasteful in Nigeria? I blame the poor masses who are not bold enough to take back their country.”
Musa S. Dabai said; “Please sir do the needful on kebbi state indigenous studying in various institution whom you normally paid scholarships for them, please help us approve the payment please.”
“You should have used those money on our brothers and sisters who are yet to pay their registration fees it’s getting late already because they will soon start examinations. We all thought you will value education more than anything,” another person, Mourserh Othmane, said.
“But issue of scholarships students of kebbi state university of science and technology Aleuro, pls H.E help your Childrens, remain two weeks we are going to write exams, many students the are not paid registration, pls Sir. Student scholarship is the most vital,more than those things that you’re doing,” Umar Real Mazawaje said.
In the above negative reactions from Nigerians however, concerns were raised about the prioritization of luxury vehicles over essential needs like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Critics pointed out the implications of importing vehicles on the nation’s economy, highlighting the need for policies that promote local industries and job creation.
Furthermore, calls were made for the governor to address pressing issues such as scholarship payments for students and prompt payment of workers’ salaries and pensions.
The controversy surrounding the distribution of the vehicles reignited discussions about fiscal responsibility and resource allocation in governance.
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