BUHARI'S UNEXPECTED REACTION TO THE PURCHASE OF N400M NEW BULLET-PROOF CAR OFFER

Unlike other new public office holders who would desire to have new vehicles, President Muhammadu Buhari has rejected a proposal to purchase five new bulletproof Mercedes S-600 (V222) cars for his use.

While briefing the president on Wednesday, July 8, 2015, the permanent secretary of the State House, Nebolisa Emodi, was said to have proposed the N400million bulletproof car purchase.

A source in the presidency said Buhari insisted he would prefer to use the ones inherited from former president Goodluck Jonathan since they are still in good shape.

“I don’t need any new car. The ones I’m using now are just fine. Greater effort be made henceforth to capture all State House expenses within the approved national budget, to avoid the frequent recourse by past administrations to presidential intervention funds.” Buhari insisted.

Buhari however, accepted initiatives presented by Emodi to reduce the operating cost of the State House and strengthen its finance and accounts internal control mechanisms. The proposal to procure the new cars was first made to Jonathan before he left office
“The former president directed, however, that it be represented to President Buhari for approval on his assumption of office since the cars could only be delivered some months after the May 29, 2015 handover date,’’ another source confirmed.

Malam Garba Shehu, senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity confirmed the president’s decision was in keeping with his commitment to prudence in the management of national resources.

In recent times, Nigerians have been calling on Buhari’s administration to reduce the cost of governance due to the dwindling revenue. Buhari who vowed to toll this path during his electioneering campaigns seems to be taking decisive steps towards making it a reality.