Preye Barry in Yenegoa
The Bayelsa House of Assembly has approved a N3 billion loan request
from the state government to purchase cars for legislators and other
political office holders.
The Speaker of the House, Kombowei Benson, who confirmed this to
journalists on Thursday in Yenagoa, said the decision was taken at a
closed door session of the House.
Mr. Benson, while defending the decision, said the legislators had
nothing to hide but resolved to consider the loan application “in
camera’’.
“The sitting lasted for less than 30 minutes and we felt there was no
need for media coverage for such a brief session.
“There is a need for the cars; we have been without cars for about two
years after our inauguration.
“The same goes for other political appointees who need cars to
function effectively and discharge their duties.’’
Mr. Benson said the vehicles would also be purchased for the state’s
security outfit – Operation Doo Akpo.
He said that it was a unanimous decision among members of the House
that purchasing “affordable cars” would help save cost of governance.
The speaker, however, declined to give further details on the number
of cars to be purchased with the loan, or the brand of cars.
