Senator Adalamodu Addresses Legal Issues Surrounding Vehicle Procurement
Senator Yemi Adalamodu, Chairman of the Senate Media and Publicity Committee, has clarified that individual senators are not liable for any legal complications that may arise from the procurement of official vehicles. Representing the Ekiti South Senatorial District, Adalamodu emphasized that lawmakers were not involved in the procurement process concerning these vehicles.
In response to a recent court ruling regarding the purchase of official vehicles for members of the National Assembly, Adalamodu asserted that senators play no role in the acquisition activities. He explained that such responsibilities rest solely with the National Assembly’s bureaucracy, which oversees the determination, purchase, and allocation of vehicles for legislative tasks.
Adalamodu stated, “Official vehicles for committee work and legislative duties are decided and supplied by bureaucrats. No official vehicle is registered in any senator’s name.” He elaborated that these vehicles remain government property throughout a senator’s term and are utilized solely for official legislative functions.
Furthermore, the senator clarified that while lawmakers can obtain vehicles, they must adhere to established government procedures, including sanctioned payment arrangements, upon completing their term. He emphasized that any legal challenges related to procurement should be directed towards the executive branch within the National Assembly that oversees such transactions rather than the individual members themselves.
“Senators have not been summoned to court. Procurement is managed by the relevant department within the parliamentary bureaucracy,” Adalamodu stated, underscoring that members are not involved in the purchasing decisions. He reiterated that the Parliament operates within established administrative and procurement guidelines, asserting that MPs should not be held accountable for decisions made by parliamentary bureaucrats.
Recent reports from the Federal High Court in Lagos have drawn attention to the controversial N110 billion Vehicle Procurement and Allowance Scheme of Parliament, which was deemed illegal. The court found that the scheme violated procurement laws, constitutional provisions, and breached public trust.
The case, filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, highlighted significant concerns. Justice Bogoro’s ruling, made on May 6, mandated that the National Assembly leadership ensure future procurements and public spending strictly adhere to principles of transparency, accountability, and value for money.
Justice Bogoro noted a conflict of interest among lawmakers who stood to benefit from the expenditures they approved. The judge remarked that the allocation of N110 billion, particularly during a period marked by widespread economic hardship for many Nigerians, reveals a troubling prioritization of interests. His ruling emphasized the responsibility public servants have to uphold their fiduciary duty to the public and to adhere to the oath of office they have taken.
