By Uzor Odigbo
Federal Ministry of Sports has confirmed that Minister John Enoh is now driving a brand-new vehicle reportedly worth N150m.
An online publication had revealed that Enoh bought a new Toyota Prado LC300 3.5L Twin Turbo Auto leather seat valued at N142.7 million ‘amid worsening economy.’
The online report also reveals that the payment for the luxury vehicle was made on July 8, 2024, to QLS Global Services Limited, the company responsible for supplying the vehicle.
An additional N7,137,137.36 was paid to the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) as a 5% tax on the vehicle purchase.
While the Sports Ministry has indeed confirmed the purchase of the vehicle, it was silent on the price as revealed in the online article titled: ‘Tinubu’s Minister Buys New N150m Car Amid Worsening Economy.’
In a rejoinder signed by Kehinde Ajayi {Mrs), Director (Information and PR), the Sports Development Ministry says it is important to set the record straight regarding the purchase of what it refers to as operational vehicles.
‘The Ministry of Sports Development was separated from the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development at the onset of the current administration in 2023.
‘One of the challenges the newly independent ministry has faced has been the lack of operational vehicles for key officers, including the Minister, the Permanent Secretary, and other officials and civil servants who come to work daily and who carry out official functions on behalf of the ministry.
“Senator John Owan Enoh, has had to rely on the official vehicle he met, which has repeatedly malfunctioned. Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, has had to use her personal vehicle for official work while the Ministry’s staff remain in dire need of a staff bus.
“Contrary to the article’s claim of financial recklessness, the ministry’s 2024 approved budget took cognizance of these needs and provisioned for the purchase of operational vehicles.
“Importantly, all due process and legal requirements were strictly adhered to in the procurement process. It is worth noting that the Minister had no involvement in the bidding or contract award processes, as such tasks fall outside his remit,” explained the Sports Ministry.
The Ministry also wondered why ‘the purchase of operational vehicles for key ministry officials, duly captured and approved in the federal budget, was a “largesse.”
Observers believe the rejoinder has certainly left more questions than answers as seen on comments on social media, calling the Sports Ministry and indeed the Sports Minister as truly insensitive to the worsening economy of the country.