If you think the only way Nigeria can be good is for we senators to be trekking to work, then you are not serious — Sen. Victor Umeh tells critics

 

Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) has defended lawmakers’ entitlement to official vehicles, saying they are necessary for legislative duties.

Speaking on AIT’s Political Platform, he rejected criticism of National Assembly benefits and insisted lawmakers should not be expected to trek to work.

He said: “Why won’t I get a vehicle for performing official function? Are you not seeing people in the executive arm of government having fleet of vehicles?’”

Umeh also argued lawmakers are unfairly targeted over benefits, adding that each senator is entitled to one official vehicle.

“If the only way Nigeria can be good is for senators to be trekking to work, well, I don’t think we’re being serious,” he said.

On the SERAP court ruling against vehicle procurement and allowances, he said enforcement lies with the group: “SERAP should go and execute the judgment…”

He maintained that National Assembly finances are auditable, dismissing claims of “jumbo pay,” and urged verification through official audit bodies.

The debate follows a Federal High Court ruling in Lagos which voided planned N40bn vehicle procurement for lawmakers and N70bn in allowances, describing them as unlawful and contrary to procurement laws and public trust.