Politics
SERAP, others sue Gbajabiamila, Reps over ‘plan to spend N5.04bn on 400 exotic cars’
By Sahara weekly
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and 192 concerned Nigerians have filed a lawsuit asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to “restrain and stop Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives and all members of the House from spending an estimated N5.04 billion to buy 400 exotic cars for principal officers and members.”
SERAP is also seeking a court order to “restrain and stop the National Assembly Service Commission from releasing any public funds to the House of Representatives to buy 400 Toyota Camry 2020 model cars estimated to cost $35,130 per car, until an impact assessment of the spending on access to public services and goods like education, security, health and clean water, is carried out.”
In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/205/2020 filed last Friday, SERAP and the concerned Nigerians argue that: “Nigerians have a right to honest and faithful performance by their public officials including lawmakers, as public officials owe a fiduciary duty to the general citizenry. All those who hold the strings of political power and power over spending of Nigeria’s commonwealth have a duty to answer for their conduct when call upon to do so by Nigerians.”
The plaintiffs also argue that: “It is illegal and unconstitutional for members of the House of Representatives to choose to buy expensive and exotic cars while encouraging Nigerians to tighten their belts and to patronize Nigerian brands. It is also illegal for members to reject cheaper and equally reliable options.”
According to the plaintiffs, “If the members of House of Representatives take their duties to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged among us seriously, including their duties to judiciously spend public funds, they would not have voted to spend over $35,000 per car, especially given the current economic and financial realities of Nigeria.”
“There is chronic poverty in Nigeria and many state governments are unable to pay salaries of workers and pensions. Unless the reliefs sought are granted, the House of Representatives will spend over N5 billion of public funds to buy the exotic cars at the expense of many Nigerians living in poverty and misery.”
The plaintiffs are asking the court to determine “Whether the proposed plan and resolution by the House of Representatives to buy 400 exotic cars for principal officers and members amounting to over Five Billion Naira in total, is not in breach of Section 57[4] of the Public Procurement Act 2007, the oath of office, and Paragraph 1 of Code of Conduct for Public Officers [Fifth Schedule Part 1] of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended].”
The suit, filed on behalf of SERAP and the concerned Nigerians by their lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Opeyemi Owolabi, read in part: “Members of the House of Representatives are either unaware of the constitutional and statutory provisions on their fiduciary duties and judicious use of public funds or deliberately glossing over these provisions.”
“It is also apparent that, besides elevating their personal interests over and above the public interests, members of the House of Representatives have shown insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians, thereby violating section 14 (2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999, to the effect that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government and its institutions.”
“It is public knowledge that members of the House of Representatives receive huge sums of money as monthly allowances and severance pay on conclusion of their respective terms at the National Assembly. It is rational that many Nigerians are calling for a review downward of the sum proposed to buy cars for members.”
“There is no better time for any government/public institution to take issues of security and welfare/wellbeing of Nigerians seriously due to rampant kidnapping, banditry and terrorism in many parts of the country than now.”
“This case raises issues of public interests, national interest, public concern, social justice, good governance, transparency and accountability.”
“The House of Representatives during an executive session held on 5th February, 2020 reportedly passed a resolution that 400 Toyota Camry 2020 cars be purchased as official vehicles for 360 members and other persons, including top management staff, Chief of Staff to the two presiding officers, as well as some of their special advisers and assistants.”
“About Three Billion was voted to buy cars for members of the House of Representatives in 2016. The sum of N128 billion was budgeted and allocated to the National Assembly in the approved 2019 national budget.”
The plaintiffs are seeking the following reliefs:
A DECLARATION that the plan and resolution to buy 400 Toyota Camry 2020 cars for members of the House of Representatives at the estimated cost of $35,130:00 per car is in breach of Section 57[4] of the Public Procurement Act 2007, Paragraph 1, Code of Conduct for Public Officers [Fifth Schedule Part 1] of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 and Oath of Office [Seventh Schedule] of the Constitution
A DECLARATION that the sum of $35,130 per car proposed and voted to buy 400 Toyota Camry 2020 cars for members of the House of Representatives is a breach of the Defendants’ solemn constitutional obligations to know and follow constitutional oaths and other constitutional and statutory provisions governing their conduct, including their duty of care to Nigerians to faithfully protect and defend the Constitution and improve the lives, well-being and welfare of Nigerians
AN ORDER OF THE COURT restraining and stopping the National Assembly Service Commission from releasing the money to the House of Representatives until an assessment of the impact of the spending on critical sectors like education, security, health, clean water and safe roads is carried out in the public interest in accordance with their constitutional oaths of office and constitutional provisions
AN ORDER OF THE COURT restraining and stopping all members of the House of Representatives, their assistants, agents, assign or such other person acting on their behalf from demanding or receiving the sum of $35,130 per car for purchase of 400 Toyota Camry 2020 cars until an assessment of the impact of the spending on critical sectors like education, security, health, clean water and safe roads is carried out in the public interest in accordance with constitutional provisions
AND FOR SUCH FURHTER ORDER(S) that the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstance of this suit. No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Politics
Captain Buratai Joins Borno Assembly Race, Sparks Youth Mobilisation in Biu
Captain Buratai Joins Borno Assembly Race, Sparks Youth Mobilisation in Biu
Pilot Muhammad Tukur Buratai (MTTB), son of former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has intensified political activities in Borno State after purchasing the nomination form of the All Progressives Congress to contest for a seat in the Borno State House of Assembly.
The young aviator is seeking to represent Biu Constituency, a move many political observers describe as a bold transition from professional service into active grassroots politics.
Supporters of the aspirant insist his emergence represents a blend of youthfulness, exposure and leadership capacity needed in the state legislature at a time when demands for greater youth representation in governance continue to gain momentum across the country.
Unlike conventional political entrants, allies of captain Buratai argue that his aviation background has equipped him with discipline, technical knowledge, calm decision-making and strategic coordination skills considered valuable in public leadership.
Political watchers within Biu also believe his candidacy could energise younger voters and strengthen grassroots participation within the APC ahead of the party primaries.
His growing acceptance, according to supporters, is also linked to his accessibility, community engagement and understanding of the developmental concerns facing youths and rural communities within the constituency.
The aspirant recently met with his father to seek his blessing ahead of the political contest, a development seen by many as a symbolic endorsement of his ambition and readiness for public service.
Stakeholders within the constituency say his entry into the race has already altered political calculations in the area, with consultations and mobilisation intensifying across several wards.
Supporters further maintain that beyond family name recognition, the young aspirant possesses the educational exposure, leadership orientation and communication skills required to effectively represent the interests of the people at the legislative level.
As political activities gather momentum ahead of the elections, many within Biu believe his emergence could usher in a new generation of leadership focused on youth empowerment, education, economic opportunities and community development.
Politics
Ajadi Congratulates Bimbo Adekanmbi, Vows Supports to 2027 Governorship Project
Ajadi Congratulates Bimbo Adekanmbi, Vows Supports to 2027 Governorship Project
Prominent political figures within the Team Seyi Makinde political structure in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo and Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, popularly known as Odidiomo, have congratulated Chief Bimbo Adekanmbi following his emergence as the consensus governorship candidate of the political movement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The duo, who also emerged as consensus senatorial candidates for Oyo Central and Oyo South Senatorial Districts, respectively, pledged total support for Adekanmbi’s governorship ambition, while assuring residents of Oyo State of inclusive governance and continuity of developmental policies associated with Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.
“I throw my full support behind Chief Bimbo Adekanmbi as the consensus governorship candidate chosen by our political leaders through a unified process,” Ajadi said.
He added, “His emergence reflects unity, consultation, and the collective resolve of our political family, and we are fully committed to delivering victory in 2027.”
According to him, the endorsement of Adekanmbi was based on competence, loyalty, administrative experience, and the need to sustain ongoing developmental strides in the state.
Also reacting to the development, Hon. Stanley Odidiomo expressed appreciation to stakeholders for the confidence reposed in the candidates selected through consensus.
He assured party loyalists and supporters that the candidates would work collectively to deepen democratic dividends across the state.
“This is not about individual ambition alone; it is about protecting the future of Oyo State and consolidating on the achievements already recorded. We are united, and we are prepared to serve the people with sincerity and fairness,” Odidiomo said.
Sources close to the meeting disclosed that discussions centered on political unity, grassroots mobilization, and sustaining the developmental momentum associated with Governor Makinde’s administration.
The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal, was also said to have witnessed the strategic meeting alongside other influential stakeholders within the political structure.
Lawal reportedly congratulated Adekanmbi and the senatorial candidates while expressing optimism that the political family would remain united ahead of the next general elections.
Political observers in the state believe the consensus arrangement may reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 governorship contest, especially with increasing alignments and consultations among major political actors across the state.
Adekanmbi’s emergence is already generating conversations within political circles, with supporters describing it as an attempt to maintain continuity, stability, and the governance philosophy championed by Governor Makinde over the years.
Politics
CityBoy Movement Denounces ‘False Blasphemy Claim’ Against Seyi Tinubu
CityBoy Movement Denounces ‘False Blasphemy Claim’ Against Seyi Tinubu
The CityBoy Movement has dismissed as false and malicious a viral social media post alleging that its patron, Barr. Seyi Tinubu, made blasphemous remarks concerning God and the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement issued on Monday by the group’s Deputy Director-General for Communication and Public Affairs, O’tega Ogra, the movement described the publication as “deliberately inflammatory” and aimed at creating religious tension in the country.
The group said the statement, allegedly authored by one “Albaabu Abudulahi,” falsely attributed comments to Tinubu which he never made “at any time, in any place, through any channel, or under any circumstance whatsoever.”
According to the statement, the allegation was “entirely false, malicious in intent, reckless in circulation and dangerous in consequence.”
The movement maintained that Seyi Tinubu is a man of faith who believes that all authority comes from God alone and would never insult or diminish the supremacy of God or Allah.
“He has never insulted, mocked, questioned or diminished the supremacy of Almighty God or Allah, and will never do so,” the statement read.
The group further accused unnamed individuals of attempting to damage Tinubu’s image and provoke unnecessary religious controversy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While reaffirming Tinubu’s support for the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, the CityBoy Movement stressed that all political ambitions and public service efforts remain subject to “the will and guidance of Almighty God.”
The organisation urged Nigerians to disregard the circulating claims, describing them as a calculated attempt to mislead the public and sow division along religious lines.
It also called on media organisations, digital publishers and social media users to verify information before sharing materials capable of threatening national unity and peaceful coexistence.
The statement reiterated the movement’s commitment to democratic engagement, responsible public conduct and respect for all faiths.
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