Bayelsa assembly approves N3bn loan request ‘in camera’

The Bayelsa state house of assembly has approved a N3 billion loan request sent by the state government for the purchase of cars for legislators and other political office holders.

Kombowei Benson, speaker of the house, who confirmed the approval to reporters on Thursday, said the decision was taken at a closed door session of the house.

While defending it, Benson said the legislators had nothing to hide but resolved to consider the loan application “in camera’’.

“The sitting lasted for less than 30 minutes and we felt there was no need for media coverage for such a brief session,” he said.

“There is a need for the cars; we have been without cars for about two years after our inauguration.

“The same goes for other political appointees who need cars to function effectively and discharge their duties.’’

Benson said vehicles would also be purchased for the state security outfit – Operation Doo Akpo, which almost went moribund “because of the lack of operational vehicles”.

He added that it was a unanimous decision among members of the house that purchasing affordable cars would help save cost of governance.

However, he declined to give details on the number of cars to be purchased.

Some civil servants have condemned the action of the lawmakers, saying it is coming at a a time when workers were being owed six month salary arrears.

Tari Jones, a civil servant, said the decision was unpopular and unjustifiable.

“It is insensitive for the state government to take loans to buy cars for legislators whose emoluments have been paid regularly while civil servants have not been paid, this is unreasonable,” he said.