Ishaku approves payment for N2bn SUVs for self, deputy, wives

The Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, has approved the purchase of Sport Utility Vehicles for himself, his deputy and their wives, few days to the end of his tenure.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that a top official of the state government, who spoke on condition anonymity for fear of victimization, said the approval was given when he chaired 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 told PREMIUM TIMES.

According to the source, the meeting argued that the duo of Darius and his deputy had been using old vehicles inherited from their predecessors since they assumed office in 2015.

The source further disclosed that going by the memo presented by the governor, Darius 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.

He also explained that by the proposal, the governor will get two Toyota Land Cruiser SUV, 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 SUV 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.

“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.

Ishaku contested the last senatorial election to represent Taraba South but lost to the All Progressive Congress candidate, David Jim-Kuta, his deputy, on the other hand, contested and won the Taraba Central Senatorial seat.