Kebbi Governor Gifts Luxury SUVs To Emirs Amid Nigeria’s Cost Of Living Crisis

While Nigerians were facing their worst cost of living crisis in a generation, elected officials were using public funds to buy luxury SUVs for themselves and others, a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report revealed.

In Kebbi, one of Nigeria's poorest states, the state governor Nasir Idris announced Wednesday that each of the four first-class emirs would receive a new Toyota Land Cruiser, following which he presented them with the keys in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.

Idris stated that the purpose of giving the cars was to acknowledge the traditional rulers' role in promoting peace, security and development in society, Premium Times reported.

However, the report did not mention whether the governor revealed the cost of the vehicles or why his state was focusing on this during a cost-of-living crisis, which had led to a rise in food prices.

"Your Royal Highnesses, my administration recognizes the importance of all institutions," Idris said, as per Premium Times. "The government has given new vehicles to members of the House of Assembly, Commissioners, Security Services, and Chairmen of Boards, Departments and Agencies for optimal operation."

"Today, we are tackling our royal fathers' transportation problems because you have been riding in old vehicles. Morally speaking, as a government, we know what traditional rulers are doing nationwide in contributing to peace and stability among communities."

Idris emphasized the importance of the government's responsibility and the value of traditional institutions for social unity, highlighting that the traditional rulers were given the same vehicle that he used as a way to respect the royal leaders.

He assured the emirs that wherever they will visit in their new vehicles, they will be recognized with honor as first-class emirs from Kebbi.

Idris also expressed his administration's commitment to finding a constitutional role for traditional rulers, stating that they rely on them as problem solvers and that such institutions were vital for the growth and prosperity of society.

The Kebbi governor's actions are not unusual, as many other state governments and the federal government have done similar things during the economic crisis.

For instance, the Tinubu administration was criticized for spending N21 billion on a new house for the vice president, purchasing a new presidential jet and making other controversial expenses.