Netizens blast Idris for copying Tinubu’s profligacy amid hunger in the land
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Nigerians on X (Twitter) have lambasted Kebbi Governor Nasir Idris for distributing 24 brand new Toyota Fortuner SUVs worth N1.92 billion to the state lawmakers, emulating President Bola Tinubu who last year bribed federal lawmakers with N110 billion from fuel subsidy palliative, part of which was used to acquire SUVs.
Tinubu gave them the bribe at the expense of suffering citizens to ensure a rubber stamp National Assembly (NASS), and that is what Idris has done at the state level.
A 2023 Toyota Furtuner Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) costs between $50,380 and $75,130 and the 2024 version costs between $53,775 and $66,755.
There are 109 lawmakers in the Senate and 360 in the House of Representatives. A total 469. At the least price of $50,380 the SUVs for all federal lawmakers would cost $23,628,220 or N37.59 billion at N1,591/$.
At that same price, 24 SUVs for Kebbi lawmakers would cost $1,209,120 or N1.92 billion.
Tinubu gave the bribe to federal lawmakers at the expense of suffering Nigerians to ensure a rubber stamp National Assembly (NASS), and that is what Idris has copied at the state level.
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Nigeria claims 3.46% GDP growth without positive impact on citizens
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Idris personally confirms wasteful spending
Idris announced the car gifts on X (Twitter) on Tuesday.
“I am honoured to fulfil my promise by distributing 24 First Class Toyota Jeeps to the dedicated members of the Kebbi State House of Assembly for their official engagements,” he posted.
“Today, at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, I personally presented these vehicles, expressing gratitude for the Assembly’s cooperation and understanding.
“The harmonious working relationship between the Executive Arm and the Assembly has been paramount.
“In the spirit of collaboration, I joined the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Usman Muhammad Ankwe, in a test drive of the Jeep allocated to him. Let this be a symbol of our commitment to serving the people of Kebbi State diligently.”
However, netizens called out Idris for splashing such a huge amount on lawmakers amid hunger protests in the land, naira devaluation, and foreign exchange (forex) crisis.
Some X users lamented Idris, like the NASS leadership, fail to support local industry by buying vehicles assembled in Nigeria by Peugeot, Nord, and Innoson.
@Jollynony
“Public money for ‘first class’ luxury while the people God has allowed to be under you are dying of hunger. In this hardship?!
“How many tractors would this [amount] buy? How many schools? How many hospitals? How many drugs? How much food? Why do you people do this?! Why?
Kalu Aja
“I get it. These cars have to be bought; it’s the political game. But why not from PAN in the North? Or Nord in the West or Innoson in the East?
“These [Toyota] cars are imported, meaning you demanded Yen/Dollars, meaning this purchase caused the Yen/Dollar to get stronger and the Naira weaker.
“This is net imports, GDP falls, and jobs are exported from Nigeria to Japan. This is why the Naira is weak, not Binance.
“Please, I am not criticizing you blindly; you are a politician, I know why its important to keep your Assembly close but you can even mix this and add a few locally made.
“This purchase is not a top-100 priority for the State. Nigeria has a spending problem, not a revenue problem.”
Olabode Olajide
“Are they [the SUVs] made in Nigeria?
“If not, you’ve just used Nigerians’ money to create jobs for Japanese and denied Nigerians same. https://twitter.com/olabodeoolajide/status/1765264416231075971”
OlorogunErnest
“How much is the minimum wage in Kebbi state? Are pensioners paid promptly? What stopped you from purchasing made in Nigeria SUVs?
“Why are politicians so heartless and wasteful in Nigeria? I blame the poor masses who are not bold enough to take back their country.”
Victor Wolemonwu
“I just checked the cost of one brand new Toyota Fortuner. A Toyota Fortune costs $75,380.
“Since current exchange rate is N1500. It means the governor spent N75.5m for one car. Times 24, he spent a total of N1.8bn on cars. Yet, these fellows go around the globe begging for aids.”
Obajemujnr
‘You can’t patronize Innoson or Nord, but you still think Binance is the problem. On the other hand, the money would have created more jobs within the state. Hopefully, we will get it right someday.”
Daveymartin
“Keep on deceiving yourselves. If it was regional system of govt where you will have to work for your money, you will be giving them keke napep.”
Stanley_Ceejay
“See how they are rubbing their luxury on the faces of the poor masses. Considering the hardship in the country, this is not the best time to drive 1st class Toyota jeep. It goes to show how much you lack empathy towards your people.
“What sacrifice are you now making to salvage the present situation? Like uncle @FinPlanKaluAja1will always say, we don’t have revenue problem, we only have spending problem.”
Ishow_Leck
“Firstly what impression are you giving with the word First class Toyota jeeps, When we have Nigeria-assembled car? Ask yourself if you’re helping Nigeria grow as a leader.
“Secondly, do you imagine how many people the money used in purchasing this can help lift from poverty or get back on their feet? Do you know?
“You people don’t really care about the people you lead or govern, that’s why most people are fighting hard killing each other to get to that position.
“Lastly, can you confidently say you purchased all these with your own money and not government money? One of it will cost at least over N40M if I’m not mistaken and the whole Jeep is more than 10. Takulah.”
