House of Representative lawmaker, representing Kiru-Bebeji federal consistency, Kano state, who is on suspension, has accused the speaker for lying about the purpose of the vehicles bought for the members of the House.
Dogara had earlier on defended the House’s decision to buy exotic cars for its members despite the economic recession.
He stated that lawmakers needed a means of mobility while carrying out oversight duties over ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal government.
The House is expected to spend at least N3.6bn in the purchase of the luxury vehicles, with payment spread a duration of 24 months.
In a statement released on Saturday night by Jibrin, he said, “I followed with keen interest the condemnation by Nigerians of the purchase of cars for members of the House of Representatives by Speaker Dogara at such a difficult period of recession and the reckless and insensitive justification of such a monumental waste by the Speaker.
“It is an outright lie that the cars are needed for oversight as over 80 per cent of oversight activities of the House of Representatives are carried out in Abuja and in almost all instances, it is the MDAs that arrange buses to convey members from the premises of the House to the respective MDAs.”
He added, “Even if we assume that the cars are needed, it is unfair and fraudulent to further put additional N4bn into such wasteful venture, while at the same time members pocket about N10m monthly, an amount many members use to sponsor their lavish lifestyles and buy many exotic cars for their private use.
“Despite the monthly allowances and the purchases of these new cars, a special car allowance is yet again been arranged for members. The last I know before my illegal suspension was that the issue of another separate car allowance remained an outstanding entitlement of members with the Speaker giving continuous assurances to members that it would be paid.”
According to Jibrin, the money used in the purchase of the luxurious automobiles, could have been invested in the general well-being of Nigerians such as the hospitals, IDP camps, provision of food and water supply, creation of jobs among others.