In a controversial move, members of the Abia State House of Assembly have allegedly rejected the Innoson Motors Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) presented to them as official vehicles by Governor Alex Otti. The decision, if confirmed, has sparked criticism from various quarters, with many expressing disappointment at the lawmakers’ preference for foreign-made vehicles over locally produced ones.
According to reports, the lawmakers stated that they would only accept Toyota Prado SUVs or the same model that the governor had purchased for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the assembly. This purported rejection of the Made-in-Nigeria vehicles has raised concerns about the lawmakers’ commitment to supporting local industries and the economic development of the country.
Governor Otti’s choice to promote local manufacturers and create employment opportunities led him to select Innoson Motors’ SUVs as the official vehicles for the state. However, the alleged rejection by the lawmakers has been viewed as a slight to the Nigerian-made products and an attack on the nation’s economy.
It is worth noting that other key government officials, including the Chief of Staff, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Commissioners, and other aides, have reportedly embraced Innoson Motors’ vehicles and are currently using them.
This development has sparked public outrage as many argue that the lawmakers’ refusal to patronize locally-made vehicles paid for with taxpayers’ money contradicts the government’s call for Nigerians to support homegrown products. Such patronage is seen as vital for the survival and growth of local industries, job creation, and the overall improvement of Nigeria’s GDP.
The rejection of the Innoson SUVs by the Abia State House of Assembly has intensified the call for government officials at all levels to lead by example and prioritize the use of Made-in-Nigeria products to encourage citizens to do the same.
