National Assembly Members to leave office with 109 SUVs, 360 Toyota Camry

Members of the outgoing 7th National Assembly will be taking
along with them, 109 jeeps and 360 exotic cars provided as
operational vehicles given to them when they assumed office
as legislators.
The cars, 109 Prado Landcrusiers for Senators and
360 Toyota Camry 2011 model, are supposed to be returned
to management of the National Assembly before the week
runs out but according to an agreement reached with the
National Assembly management, the Senators and the House
of Reps members will pay 30% of the original cost of the cars
so that those interested can keep the cars. The 30% will be
deducted from their severance pay.
A member of the National Assembly Management team who
spoke on the condition of anonymity, said
"The cars have been used for four years, so this
valuation has taken cognizance of the years of
depreciation. The vehicles are not taken away free of
charge and as a matter of fact, it is optional. A
lawmaker who does not want to go with the vehicle
will submit it to the National Assembly and it will be
so documented. The deduction will be done from their
severance package at source, which makes it easier. It
is a practice that has been on over the years".
According to the source, the National Assembly Members were
in 2011 when they assumed office for another tenure, given
300% from their salaries as loans for cars, 250% as Furniture
loans and 300% as housing loans.
Lawmakers who took car loans worked out a plan with their
banks where their salaries were being paid for the banks to
automatically deduct a percentage from their salaries to pay
their car loans.
According to the source
“The loans were obtained for the lawmakers through
the banks where their salary accounts are domiciled,
hence the bankers usually deduct certain percentage
agreed upon from their monthly payments to service
the car, housing and furniture loans.”he said
Deputy House Majority Leader, Leo Ogor, confirmed the
report and said they will take their operational vehicles away
if they want to but will pay some money for the car.
“I don’t know what the amount will be; but I know that
the cars are not for free. The management of the
National Assembly will work it out and communicate to
members accordingly”, he said.
Source: Punch