The Audu-Faleke Political Organization, the governorship campaign machinery of the late Abubakar Audu and Mr. James Abiodun Faleke, has blasted the Governor Yahaya Bello-led government in Kogi State over its decision to spend more than one billion naira on vehicle procurements for the governor and his political appointees.
A statement signed by Duro Meseko, the organization’s Director of Media and Publicity, described the vehicle procurement undertaken by the State government as grossly insensitive. It noted that the government ignored several warnings against undertaking such an expenditure.
"We find it hard to believe that despite repeated admonitions by well meaning groups and individuals, the Yahaya Bello administration still went ahead on an unimaginable flight of fancy by purchasing expensive vehicles for use by some aides of the governor and the governor himself.
"Credible information reaching us indicates that Ford SUVs (jeeps) worth N18 million each and Ford Ranger Trucks (pickup van) worth N6 million each were purchased for the 21 Local Government Caretaker Chairmen in the State, totaling N504 million.
"This is in addition to the 70 Ford Ranger Trucks purportedly purchased for the Police totaling N420 million and, of course, different from the N135 million bullet- proof Range Rover ordered for the governor and being shipped home presently," the organization said.
The group also claimed to be in possession of information that the government bought a BMW and G-Wagon Mercedes Benz as official vehicles for the Chief of Staff to the governor. The cars in the Chief of Staff's fleet, claimed the group, are serviced and maintained Coscharis Motors, Abuja.
"We are really sad with the way our commonwealth in Kogi is being managed under the leadership of Yahaha Bello. Even the President of the country, Muhammadu Buhari has not changed his official car since he assumed office. What happened to the official vehicles in these local governments?" asked the group.
They called on prominent citizens to call the governor to order, saying the State is bleeding on account of the governor's misapplication of resources.
"As we speak, the socio-economic plight of Kogi people is frightening, with unpaid salaries up to the roof while basic amenities have become a mirage. Should the government not have been more prudent in the allocation of the State’s scarce resources instead of recklessly wasting it? The time has come for all men of conscience and goodwill to call Alhaji Yahaya Bello to order," the group concluded.
