Taraba Governor approves N2 billion for purchase of luxury cars for self, deputy days to handover

The Governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku, has approved a whopping sum of N2 billion for the purchase of luxury vehicles for himself, his deputy, and their wives, barely 18 days to the end of his tenure.

According to a source, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES on the condition of anonymity, the approval was made during the last State Executive Council meeting.

“Governor Darius Ishaku in our last SEC meeting asked the council to approve a memo he presented for the purchase of vehicles for himself, his deputy and their wives and it was speedily approved without any argument,” the source said.

It was disclosed that Governor Ishaku requested that the council approve a memo he presented for the purchase of vehicles for himself, his deputy, and their wives, and it was promptly approved without any objection.

The source revealed that since the governor and his deputy assumed office in 2015, they have been using old vehicles inherited from their predecessors, and they deserve new vehicles as they prepare to step down.

From the document presented by the governor, he and his wife will get over N1.3 billion worth of exotic cars, while his deputy and his wife will receive cars worth N750 million.

Specifically, the governor will get two Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs, two escort Toyota Hilux, and a utility vehicle, while his wife will get a Land Cruiser SUV and an escort vehicle.

Similarly, the deputy governor, Haruna Manu, will receive two lower versions of Land Cruiser SUVs and one escort vehicle, while his wife will get one SUV and a utility car.

When contacted, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Lois Emmanuel, did not deny or confirm the approval.

She simply said that she was not in the state and would confirm the information later.

She simply said “I am not in the state. I travelled out. I am not aware, I will confirm,” she said, while terminating the call abruptly.

However, she was seen a few hours later at the commissioning of a housing project by the governor in Jalingo, the state capital.

It is noteworthy that Mr Ishaku recently lost his bid to represent Taraba South in the Senate, while his deputy won the Taraba Central Senatorial seat.

The approval of such a huge sum for the purchase of luxury vehicles at a time when the state is facing economic challenges has raised eyebrows and attracted criticisms from some quarters.