- APC’s National Publicity Secretary acknowledges criticisms over National Assembly’s SUV purchases, defending cost-cutting in the context of performance
- He recognizes the validity of public concerns and alternative suggestions while emphasizing the autonomy of the National Assembly
In response to the recent controversy surrounding the National Assembly’s decision to purchase SUVs for its members, Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has weighed in, acknowledging the validity of the criticisms.
The uproar began when Sunday Karimi, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Services, justified the acquisition of SUVs by lawmakers, citing considerations of “durability and maintenance” over a four-year period. Notably, the House of Representatives announced its intention to acquire 360 SUVs, valued at a staggering N57.6 billion. Each of these vehicles comes with a price tag of at least N160 million.
During a recent interview on Arise TV, Morka expressed his perspective on the matter. He argued that while reducing the cost of governance is indeed crucial, it should be viewed in the context of performance within the executive arm of the federal government.
Morka remarked, “Cutting the cost of governance is important, but it has to be relative. It is not an absolute proposition. It has to be relative to the output.”
He emphasized the president’s prerogative in appointing his cabinet and expressed hope that they would perform optimally as intended. Morka believed that when assessing the value of the cabinet’s performance, it would likely outweigh some of the associated costs.
However, Morka also acknowledged the controversy surrounding the acquisition of SUVs for National Assembly members, asserting that the criticisms were valid.
He added, “The issue of SUVs for the members of the National Assembly is controversial. Nigerians are right to criticize some of these decisions. But let’s also consider the fact that some legislators are new to the scene.”
Morka acknowledged alternative suggestions, such as lawmakers purchasing the cars themselves or opting for Nigeria-made vehicles. He stressed that these ideas were worth considering. Ultimately, he highlighted the autonomy of the National Assembly in making its decisions while acknowledging the importance of addressing the concerns raised by Nigerians in the decision-making process.
In summary, the controversy over lawmakers’ SUV purchases remains a subject of heated debate, with critics and proponents voicing their opinions. The APC spokesperson, while defending the government’s approach to cost-cutting and governance, also recognizes the valid concerns raised by the public and the need for a balanced perspective on the matter.