‘Senators too important to be packed in a bus,’ Senate Leader says

monjola sotubo

March 4, 2016 11:41 AM

Ndume made the comment following criticism from various sectors on the National Assembly’s plans to purchase vehicle worth N4.7 billion.

Senate majority leader, .Mohammed Ndume.

Ndume made the comment following criticism from various sectorson the National Assembly’s plans to purchase vehicles worth N4.7 billion.

“…Money has been budgeted but the budget has not been passed and you know there is this public debate going on that Senators should not buy cars,” Ndume said while appearing on Channels TV today, March 4, 2016.

“Look I am a senator representing 9 Local governments. A Minister was appointed, 36 of them. All of them are driving a convoy of at least 4 cars. By protocol I am the senate leader.

“For example, I came with a car. I don't mind for example but what happens to my rights and privileges. For me personally, I don't care about driving a particular car. I move with any car but what happens to my rights and privilege as a Senate leader.

“For example the revenue and mobilization commission in their entitlements to my own office, are saying the senate leader should own two cars. We are supposed to do oversight as you know. Should I use my private car to do that?

“How can I be going in a bus? You want me as a Senator to go in a bus? Senators going in a bus is as a matter of choice. When Senators are going to one place outside Abuja, how do you expect to pack them in a bus?

“Let’s be honest. We are not buying cars for Senators. No. We are buying cars so that they will use those vehicles for committee work,” he added.

Ndume’s comment follows a similar remark made by an aide to Senate President, Bukola Saraki that his boss has been driving the best cars in the world since he was young in reaction to outrage over Saraki’s new cars which are said to be worth N330 million.

monjola sotubo