Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has come under scrutiny for distributing 24 first-class Toyota Jeeps to members of the State House of Assembly amidst the state’s ranking as one of the poorest states in Nigeria.
According to the 2022 Multi-dimensional Poverty Index (MPI), Kebbi state has been ranked poorly in terms of nutrition, school attendance, years of schooling, and time to healthcare.
In a social media post, Governor Idris emphasized that this gesture should be seen as a symbol of the state government’s commitment to serving the people of Kebbi diligently.
“I am honoured to fulfil my promise by distributing 24 First Class Toyota Jeeps to the dedicated members of the Kebbi State House of Assembly for their official engagements,” Governor Idris wrote in his announcement.
The move has sparked mixed reactions from the citizens of Kebbi State. While some have praised the governor’s commitment to supporting the Assembly members, others have raised concerns about the allocation of resources during a time of hardship.
Social media users have expressed their discontent, with an X user @Hulkpinkin saying, “Dr. Nasir Idris @NasiridrisKG the executive governor of Kebbi state spent billions of NAIRA to buy ‘first class’ Toyota SUVs for the members of his state assembly while the poor masses continue to eat potato leaves to survive. This one will also go to Mecca to stone the devil.”
Another user @jollynony wrote, “Public money for “first class” luxury while the people God has allowed to be under you are dying of hunger. In this hardship?! How many tractors would this buy? How many schools? How many hospitals? How many drugs? How much food? Why do you people do this?! Why? , he asked.
Meanwhile, @Tlagrules1 wrote, “Na normal thing now after all the poor citizens just need to pray to Allah for food, water to drink without realizing their problems are man-made.”
The distribution of the SUVs has ignited discussions about the priorities and decision-making of the state government, with some citizens expressing concerns about the lack of focus on addressing the pressing needs of the people during a time of hardship.
