I Still Use Malfunctioning Car - Saraki


Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has revealed that he has been using an old inherited malfunctioning car since he assumed office June last year.

His statement is in reaction to a Premium Times report that Saraki took delivery of new cars, worth over N330m.

According to the paper, the National Assembly sought to purchase a 2016 model Mercedes Benz S550, four 2016 Toyota Prado jeeps, four 2016 Toyota Hilux SS (Auto) as well as a 2016 model Toyota Hiace Bus.

However, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki maintained that it was wrong for Premium Times to classify vehicles provided for security agencies like the police and State Security Service by the National Assembly management for their operations as vehicles bought for the Senate President.

He insisted that his official vehicle, a Mercedes Benz, was changed and that the spare car in the convoy is the old one he inherited and has been using since entering office, pointing out that “It is an obvious fact that the official and spare cars that the Senate President inherited and has been using are old and have been malfunctioning.”

According to the statement, it was as a result of the constant malfunctioning of his official vehicle that Saraki “approved that instead of providing two vehicles for him as he is entitled, only one should be bought to replace the official vehicle while the old official car should be converted to spare car.”

The statement added that “if the National Assembly Management chose to provide operational vehicles for Security Agencies, should that be presented as if they are personal or official vehicles meant for the use of Dr. Saraki? These are vehicles that cannot be used for other purposes and by other people. The Senate President also have no control over the security vehicles.”

It accused Premium Times of purposely being mischievous by using current dollar rates to gauge the amount spent on the vehicles, despite the fact that it was ordered in December.

“This is obviously a mischief aimed at making the figure look huge and justify the screaming headline.

“The press should avoid deliberately inciting members of the public against public officials. The Senate President and his colleagues are conscious of the economic situation in the country and will continue to act responsibly and responsive,” the statement read.

“Just last week, Dr. Saraki was informed that the Ministry of FCT in its 2016 budget proposed a N6 billion estimate for the construction of the official residence of the Senate President. He outrightly rejected the proposal and directed Senator Dino Melaye, Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT to bring down the cost to one billion Naira. He said that it should be made known to the Ministry that if it cannot construct the building with N1 billion then they should leave out the project entirely till after his tenure. He said he will rather stay in his present abode. Senator Melaye had already acted as instructed as indicated in the report his committee presented to the Appropriation Committee.

“It should therefore be noted that if Dr. Saraki can demonstrate frugality and responsible leadership in a matter that saved the country so much money, how can it then be presented as if purchase of cars is a big issue that he cares so much about? Those who know the antecedent of the Senate President know that there is no type of vehicle that can excite him at this stage in his life,” Olaniyonu stated.