3rd June, 2011
Labour leaders on Thursday criticised the decision by members of the House of Representatives to sell their official cars and office equipment to themselves at rock-bottom prices.
The labour leaders told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the move was not in the best interest of the nation.
Chief John Kolawole, General Secretary, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), described the decision as regrettable and highly controversial.
The Sixth Assembly presided over by the Speaker, Mr. Dimeji Bankole, had on June 1 at their plenary taken the decision to sell their official cars and office equipment such as computers and scanners to themselves.
“It is worrisome that some activities of our lawmakers have been a source of controversy to the people.
“They allocate salaries to themselves at will. Now they take away official cars and office equipment on their exit at a give-away price. This is sad,†the TUC scribe told NAN.
Kolawole urged Nigerians to begin to call those in public offices to order, saying it is one of the ways of moving the economy and the country forward.
He urged President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that the incoming lawmakers were more prudent in spending public funds.
“We call on the President and all Nigerians to be watchdogs on the activities of our lawmakers and leaders so that the country will be a better place for us all,†Kolawole added.
Mr. Yemisi Bamgbose, President of Radio, Television and Theatre Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU), also told NAN on telephone that it was improper to sell a car bought for over N6 million for N200, 000 or N300, 000.
He urged the lawmakers to review their decision because of its likely effect on the nation’s economy and the people.