Media reports making rounds indicate that the Bayesa State House of Assembly have approved N3bn worth of cars for its 24 members.
It was learnt that the approval for the purchase of vehicles for the state legislators was arrived at during a closed-door sitting of the lawmakers.
The Assembly had met in secret to approve a loan request of N3bn from the executive to buy cars for the legislature and other political office holders.
The Speaker, BSHA, Kombowei Benson, confirmed the development.
The approval of Governor Seriake Dickson’s request for the purchase of vehicles came at a time when the government had yet to fully meet its obligation to workers.
Journalists were on Wednesday barred from covering the proceedings at the Assembly’s chambers in Yenagoa as they were compelled to leave the assembly premises.
Defending the decision of the House, Benson said that the legislators had nothing to hide but resolved to consider the loan application in camera because it would not take much time.
The Speaker said, “The sitting lasted for less than 30 minutes and we felt that there was no need for media coverage for such a brief session. There is a need for the cars, we have been without cars for about two years after inauguration.
“The same goes for other political appointees who need cars to function effectively and discharge their duties.
“Also, some vehicles will be acquired for the state security outfit christened ‘Operation Doo Akpo’ which is almost going moribund due to lack of operational vehicles.
“The decision was unanimous amongst members; what we can do is to buy affordable cars to save cost.”
The speaker declined to give further details on the number of cars to be purchased with the loan.