Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has presented a fleet of 41 brand-new SUVs, with 17 allocated to commissioners and 24 to members of the state House of Assembly. The Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismail Uba Misilli, conveyed the governor’s statement, indicating that the vehicles were provided to enhance the commissioners’ and lawmakers’ efficiency in their official capacities.

During a brief ceremony at the Government House, Governor Yahaya emphasized that the SUVs were intended to support the commissioners in executing their duties and complement the prestige associated with their offices. The governor extended a similar gesture to lawmakers, emphasizing the importance of enabling them to fulfill oversight functions and actively participate in governance.

Governor Yahaya acknowledged the current economic challenges, with inflation and the depreciation of the naira, emphasizing the need for prudent governance with reduced costs but optimal performance. He stressed the importance of government ministries and agencies having utility vehicles for effective and efficient functioning.

While presenting the vehicles, Governor Yahaya urged responsible handling, management, and utilization of the SUVs for public service. He warned that any vehicle found deviating from its intended purpose might be withdrawn and returned to the ministry.

The Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Zubair Muhammad Umar, expressed gratitude for the vehicles, acknowledging their significance in facilitating their duties. He assured the governor that they would manage the vehicles efficiently.

The allocation of the vehicles comes amid economic challenges, including the removal of the fuel subsidy by the Federal Government. While state civil servants have been enjoying the new minimum wage since 2020, local government employees are yet to receive the same benefits. Governor Yahaya had introduced a N10,000 palliative for both state and local government employees following the subsidy removal, excluding pensioners from the relief measure.

It’s worth noting that the economic context and distribution of resources have drawn attention, with critics pointing to disparities in benefits among different categories of workers and retirees.