Osun govt buys cars worth over N260m for lawmakers despite owing pensioners- Governor Oyetola of Osun state has purchased brand new cars reportedly worth N260 million for the lawmakers in the state - There are, however, concerns about the state's priority as it is still owing retired civil servants pensions and gratuities for several years - Nevertheless, a spokesperson to the governor justified the purchase of the cars and assured that the government is committed to the welfare of workers and retirees in the state The Osun state government has purchased brand new cars reportedly worth over N260 million for the 26 members of the state House of Assembly. This is as the state government is still owing retired civil servants pensions and gratuities for several years, Premium Times notes. The newspaper reports that a spokesperson for Governor Gboyega Oyetola refused to disclose the exact amount paid for the vehicles. The Osun state governor via his spokesperson, Ismail Omipidan, however, argued that the purchase of the cars would not affect the government's smooth running. Read also Okada, keke ban is about security and safety, says Lagos deputy governor Omipidan said many of the current lawmakers were not in the state assembly when the state's former governor bought them official cars. He said Governor Oyetola is prudently managing the state's resources just as he makes personal sacrifices to ensure workers in the state do not suffer. The spokesperson made reference to the bond of N1.2 billion recently presented to retirees under the contributory pension scheme as part of the measures the government is taking to improve their welfare. He admitted that there is a backlog of payments but insisted the government is committed to the welfare of the workers and the retirees. "If we are not paying anything at all, then critics can make criticism,” Omipidan was quoted to have said. “It would be unthinkable to say lawmakers got cars eight years ago and they should continue to use the same thing. Don’t forget that it is not the same set of people in the house eight years ago that are there now. Even for the ones re-elected, there’s always a budget and emoluments of office which must be provided. It is a three-arm government and everybody must be taken care of," he added. Read also Another Amotekun? Southeast governors to launch their own regional security outfit Meanwhile, the newspaper said another source said the government has not fully paid for the vehicles, adding that it will be paying on a monthly or yearly basis. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read the best news on Nigeria’s #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that an independent research-oriented and non-governmental organisation, Positive Agenda Nigeria (PAN), rated Governor Oyetola low on public engagement with the citizens of the state in 2019. The co-convener of the group, Rasheed Ademola Adebiyi, said in a release he personally signed that within the last one year the Oyetola's government was inaugurated, its communication with people of the state has not been properly planned and coordinated by the government’s media team. The group in a new data-based report released on Wednesday, January 1, said that the closed culture of interaction existed between the government and the people throughout the last one year. Read also We did not ban Okada, keke napep, says Lagos state govt NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng Same great journalism, upgraded for better service! Minimum Wage: Is N30,000 Too Much for FG to Pay Workers? - Nigeria Street Gist | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - Governor Oyetola of Osun state has purchased brand new cars reportedly worth N260 million for the lawmakers in the state - There are, however, concerns about the state's priority as it is still owing retired civil servants pensions and gratuities for several years - Nevertheless, a spokesperson to the governor justified the purchase of the cars and assured that the government is committed to the welfare of workers and retirees in the state PAY ATTENTION: Legit.ng