Peter Obi Under Fire For Condemning SUVs For Lawmakers After Ex-SSG Reveals He Bought 400 SUVs For Traditional Rulers As Governor

Kwamkwam news had in November 2023 reported how Obi lambasted President Bola Tinubu for allocating more funds for the purchase of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for about 400 lawmakers than the total amount allocated to primary healthcare in the 2023 budget.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has come under fire for condemning the purchase of SUVs for federal lawmakers as his former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Oseloka Obaze, revealed how he (Obi) bought 400 SUVs from Innoson Motors for traditional rulers when he was the Anambra State Governor.

Obi, who had in his World Press Conference announced that he and his political party are now fully in opposition, said that it was a waste of public resources to spend N60 billion on luxurious SUVs for the lawmakers while primary healthcare in the country had collapsed, leading Nigeria to surpassing India in infant mortality.

The former Anambra State governor had said that one-third of the amount allocated for the SUVs, with proper negotiation, would have given them to get locally manufactured SUV vehicles from Innoson Motors, PAN or any local auto assembly plant, to help boost Nigeria’s economy and create and retain jobs.

Obi further stated that while he was the governor, the Anambra State Government ordered for two bullet proof SUV vehicles for him but he cancelled the order and used the money to negotiate a concessionary pricing with Peugeot Automobiles to supply his government with 60 406 vehicles which were enough for all his cabinet members including his and his deputy.

On Monday, Obi’s former SSG in a series of posts on his X (formerly Twitter) revealed that Obi during his governorship tenure in Anambra bought 400 SUVs for traditional rulers, further revealing how one of the traditional rulers crashed his SUV and got it replaced with brand new car even before Innoson Motors fixed the crashed car.

Obaze wrote, “Potential Corporate PR’s disasters require tact & diplomacy. When I was the SSG in Anambra Peter Obi, procured over 400 SUVs for the Traditional Rulers. One day, a Traditional Ruler & Classmate called to say his SUV crashed. Luckily no injuries or fatalities.

“Then he said his driver (who had apparently fallen asleep at the wheels) said the steering wheel had instantly locked at top speed. I sensed a PR problem instantly. I told him to get a police report and arrange for the vehicle to be towed back to Anambra.

“I then called the CEO of Innoson Motors and explained the situation. I suggested they recover the vehicle dismantle it and ascertain if indeed the vehicle accident was mechanical, and if need be take remedial measures. He did not argue. He thanked me.

“He proceeded as agreed and it was ascertained the accident was not due to a steering lock. Innoson Motors repaired and restored the SUV to brand new status and returned to the Traditional Ruler. Meanwhile, ANSG had replaced the SUV with a new one.

“In the end, the driver admitted that he “might have dozed off.” Imagine the PR disaster one accident would have been to Innoson Motors. Till date, one decade later, the Traditional Ruler is still driving both SUVs without issues. Lessons learned.”

However, this has generated criticism against Obi as some Nigerians on X, essentially supporters of President Tinubu have described him as a hypocrite for condemning the President for the same thing he did as a governor.

Popular Obi’s critic and a loyal supporter of President Tinubu, Reno Omokri wrote on X, “He criticised the National Assembly for wasting billions buying 400 SUVs for Legislators.

“Meanwhile, he purchased 400 SUVs for Anambra Igwes when he was Governor. Between Legislators and Igwes, who should the government buy cars for?

“This is almost spiritual. 400 versus 400. Exact number. His own was not a waste. Maybe it was a waist!”

Also, an X user, @DanielRepha said, “Peter Obi’s govt acquired over “400 SUVs” for Traditional Rulers according to his then SSG (Oseloka H. Obaze), but same Peter Obi was quick to condemn the “expenditure of N60 billion for the purchase of SUV vehicles for legislators”. Are both not expenses made using public funds? Talk about hypocrisy.”

Another user, @oprecious said, “Some people still think he’s a saint, but he’s just a politician. Someone snitched on his boss, Atiku. He might snitch if he becomes the president.”

@A_Y_Rafindadi said that “He’s a hypocrite of the highest order, it’s just that he spoke the truth, but the hypocrisy of politicians is unmatched.”

@AzeezOseni4 said that “He was quick to criticize the Govt and he forgot he is also part of the problem. We need to work together to make this country great.”