Although Benue State is undergoing financial hardship, the state Governor, Samuel Ortom, has doled out N558.7 million for luxurious cars for his aides and local government chairmen.
In his inaugural address on May 29, talked about what he called five-pillar agenda, including a promise to create enabling environment for citizens to engage in meaningful businesses.
He said the policy would enhance the living condition of Benue people and in the process reduce over-dependence on government.
The five-point agenda promised are: good governance and revenue security; agricultural-driven industrialization, improvement in science technology, arts and mathematics, investment in critical infrastructure, and promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women, youth, sports and persons with disabilities.
There is a new twist however, as it appears the governor is departing from the development agenda. Mr. Ortom has bought 13 new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs for commissioners in the state.
The 13 Prado cars came at a whopping N240.5 million, with each costing the state N18.5million.
The governor also bought 43 new Toyota Corolla cars at the cost of N318.2 million, with each delivered at the cost of N7.4 million.
The Toyota Corolla cars were distributed to the 20 special advisers appointed by Mr. Ortom while the remaining 23 went to local government chairmen in the state.
A critical examination shows that the costs at which the vehicles were supplied to the state government were outrageous when compared to the regular prices.
At Carmudi, online car depot, a company, Auto Ten Limited sold a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Jeep, 2015 model (Black) for N11 million only, against the N18.5mllion for which a similar car was supplied to Mr. Ortom.
Another dealer, Lanre Shittu Motors, offered the same vehicle for N11 million.
However, a new Toyota Corolla 2015 model sold for N5 million against the N7.4 million Mr. Ortom paid for each of the 43 vehicles he bought for his aides and council chairmen.
