Senators not responsible for vehicle procurement — Senate spokesman

Senate Spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu has asserted that individual senators bear no responsibility for legal challenges arising from the procurement of official vehicles, emphasizing that the National Assembly's bureaucracy manages the entire process.

Adaramodu, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, stated that legislators are not involved in the procurement exercise. He clarified that the bureaucracy is solely responsible for determining, purchasing, and assigning vehicles for legislative and committee duties. "No vehicle is registered in the name of any senator," he added, explaining that these vehicles remain government property and are used to facilitate official responsibilities.

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The bureaucracy determines and provides official vehicles for committee work and legislative assignments. No vehicle is registered in the name of any senator

Lawmakers can only acquire these vehicles at the end of their tenure through established government procedures and approved payment arrangements. Adaramodu argued that any legal disputes related to procurement should be directed at the administrative departments within the National Assembly responsible for these transactions, not individual lawmakers. "Senators were not taken to court. Procurement is handled by the appropriate departments within the National Assembly bureaucracy. Legislators have no role in the purchasing process," he stated.

His comments come after the Federal High Court in Lagos declared the National Assembly's N110 billion vehicle procurement and allowance schemes unlawful. The court found the spending violated procurement laws, constitutional provisions, and public trust. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project had filed the suit against the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Justice Bogoro's judgment also ordered the National Assembly leadership to ensure future procurement and public expenditure strictly adhere to due process, transparency, accountability, and value for money.

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Senators were not taken to court. Procurement is handled by the appropriate departments within the National Assembly bureaucracy. Legislators have no role in the purchasing process