National Assembly members to leave office with 109 jeeps and 360 exotic bags

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