Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, has approved the sum of N2 billion for the purchase of luxury vehicles for himself, his deputy, and their wives.
News About Nigeria understands that the decision was made during the last State Executive Council (SEC) meeting presided over by the governor.
“Governor Darius Ishaku in our last SEC meeting asked the council to approve a memo he presented for the purchase of vehicles for himself, his deputy and their wives and it was speedily approved without any argument,” the source said.
According to a source who pleaded anonymity, the council approved the memo without any argument.
It was argued during the meeting that Governor Ishaku and his deputy had been using old vehicles inherited from their predecessors since 2015, and they deserve new vehicles as they prepare to step down.
The governor and his wife will receive exotic cars worth over N1.3 billion, while the deputy governor and his wife will receive cars worth N750 million.
The governor will receive two Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs, two escort Toyota Hilux, and a utility vehicle, while his wife will get a Land Cruiser SUV and an escort vehicle.
The deputy governor will receive two lower versions of Land Cruiser SUV and one escort vehicle, while his wife will get one SUV and a utility car.
When contacted, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Lois Emmanuel, neither confirmed nor denied the approval, saying that she was not aware of it and would confirm the information.
She simply said “I am not in the state. I travelled out. I am not aware, I will confirm,” she said while terminating the call abruptly.
However, she was later seen at the commissioning of a housing project by the governor in the state capital.
Governor Ishaku contested the last senatorial election to represent Taraba South but was defeated by the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, David Jim-Kuta.
His deputy, Haruna Manu, on the other hand, contested and won the Taraba Central Senatorial seat.
The governor’s approval of N2 billion for the purchase of luxury vehicles just 18 days to the end of his tenure has attracted criticism from the public.
