The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jigawa State has condemned the state government for its recent procurement of a new fleet of luxury vehicles for Governor Umar Namadi’s convoy, labeling the decision as wasteful and out of touch with the struggles of the populace.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Dutse, the state capital, Umar Kyari, the PDP’s State Publicity Secretary, expressed that the purchase demonstrates a blatant disregard for the hardships faced by residents who are enduring increasingly difficult economic conditions.
Kyari remarked, “This acquisition is an affront to the sensibilities of the suffering masses in Jigawa State and starkly illustrates the current administration’s insensitivity and disconnection from the harsh economic realities confronting its citizens.”
The opposition party characterized the purchase as “reckless extravagance,” accusing the Namadi administration of showing “a flagrant disregard for fiscal responsibility and the welfare of the people.”
The PDP pointed out that this is not the first instance of such excessive spending by the state government. “Prior to taking office, both the governor and his deputy benefited from a fleet of costly vehicles. In 2024, the government further drained public finances by acquiring another set of high-end luxury vehicles, including Lexus SUVs, Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs, and a Maybach Mercedes-Benz,” the statement noted.
The party questioned the justification for repeatedly acquiring luxury vehicles, particularly in a state identified as one of the poorest in the nation, grappling with high poverty and unemployment rates, inadequate healthcare facilities, and a struggling education system.
“Our communities are in dire need of basic amenities, improved infrastructure, and authentic empowerment initiatives,” the statement emphasized.
Instead of confronting these pressing challenges, the PDP claimed that the government “continues to prioritize ostentatious displays of wealth and comfort for a select few, at the expense of the collective,” labeling this trend as a “misallocation of priorities.”
The PDP urged the government to immediately cease what it termed “extravagant spending” and to reallocate resources towards initiatives that would directly benefit the populace.
The party also called for complete transparency and accountability regarding the recent and past vehicle acquisitions.
“We encourage the citizens of Jigawa State to persist in holding this government accountable and to demand the prudent use of public funds,” Kyari added.
The statement reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to advocating for responsible governance, fiscal discipline, and leadership that prioritizes the welfare of the masses over personal luxuries.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Hamisu Gumel, were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone went unanswered. Similarly, attempts to reach the state Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Aminu Sani Gumel, on Thursday also failed. Calls to his known number were not returned, and a visit by our correspondent to the APC State Secretariat in Dutse yielded no results, as no officials were available to respond.
The alleged vehicle acquisitions have sparked public outrage in Jigawa, with many citizens questioning the rationale behind such expenditures amid widespread poverty. The PDP’s statement adds to the mounting criticism of the government’s financial priorities.
