The Lagos State House of Assembly, on Monday, approved the sum N352,973,986 for the purchase of official cars for the Speaker and 20 first-term members of the assembly.
This followed a letter sent by Mr Akinyemi Ashade, the state’s Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget and read on the floor of the Assembly by the Clerk of the House, Mr Ganiyu Abiru.
The letter read in part: “The 2015 appropriation law directs that any expenditure above N200 million from the special expenditure fund should seek and obtain the approval of this Honourable House. “I wish to request the approval for the utilisation of special expenditure fund to the sum of N352,973,986.
“The funds are to be used for the purchase of official vehicles and other accessories for the Honourable Speaker and 20 first-term honourable members of the eighth Assembly.”
Commenting on the letter, Mr Rotimi Abiru (APC-Somolu II) urged the House to give the request an expressed approval.
Also, Mr Rotimi Olowo (APC-Somolu I) added that such approval would help the new members of the Assembly to enjoy the benefits of the office they were occupying.
Responding, the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, commended the patience of members since the inauguration of the assembly.
Obasa said: “On behalf of the state, I want to thank you for your patience that six months after inauguration of the eighth assembly, you have not been given official vehicles. We thank you for your endurance.”
The speaker, after a voice vote, gave approval and directed the Clerk to convey the House approval to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
