Lagos – Some politicians has commended state governors for deciding to
reduce the number of vehicles in their motorcades, their aides and other wastages as part of measures to cut the cost of governance.
The politicians told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday that the decision was appropriate in view of the economic recession.
The decision of the governors was disclosed to newsmen after a six-hour
meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC)in Abuja last Tuesday.
The meeting was presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Prof. Oluremi Sonaiya, the 2015 Presidential Candidate of the KOWA Party, told NAN that the governors’ resolution was welcome.
“Anything that helps to reduce the unacceptably high cost of governance is
welcome.
“The real problem, however, is: Why were they wasteful before?
“What made us not to understand that substantial portions of our resources should not be used to cater for the non-essential needs of individuals who occupy public positions? Sonaiya asked.
She expressed optimism that the governors would truly overhaul all spendthrift systems.
Alhaji Yahaya Ndu, the National Chairman of the deregistered African Renaissance Party (ARP), also hailed the governors’ resolution.
“This is a good development, though it will not solve the real problem.
“The fundamental problem with our government or governance is that political leaders of Nigeria stepped into the shoes of our colonial masters.
“That is the fundamental problem, and that is why politically elected officers still see themselves and are still addressed as Excellency and so on,’’ he said.
He claimed that a senator or representative earned hundreds times more than the average taxpaying citizens.
He said that Nigeria would not develop under such a situation.
The Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Lagos Chapter, Chief Ola
Apena, said that there was nothing to rejoice about the governors’ decision.
According to him, they governors ought to have taken such a decision long ago.
“I do not think there is anything to celebrate about it; they have no choice than to cut down their excesses and show concern about the hard economic situation that has crippled lot of families,’’ Apena said.
