Just 18 days before his tenure, Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku approved N2 billion to procure luxury vehicles for himself, his deputy, and their wives. This information was disclosed by a source who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of victimization. The source informed PREMIUM TIMES that the approval was made during the last State Executive Council (SEC) meeting by Mr Ishaku.
According to the source, “Governor Darius Ishaku, during our last SEC meeting, requested the council to approve a memo he presented for the procurement of vehicles for himself, his deputy, and their wives, and it was swiftly approved without any dispute.”
The justification for this action was that since Mr. Darius and his deputy assumed office in 2015, they had been using old vehicles inherited from their predecessors. Thus, they deserve new vehicles as they prepare to step down.
It was revealed that, according to the governor’s memo, Mr. Darius and his wife would receive over N1.3 billion in exotic cars, while his deputy and his wife would get cars valued at N750 million.
The governor will receive two Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs, two escort Toyota Hilux vehicles, and a utility vehicle. His wife will receive a Land Cruiser SUV and an escort vehicle. The deputy governor, Haruna Manu, will receive two lower versions of a Land Cruiser SUV and an escort vehicle, and his wife will receive an SUV and a utility car.
When contacted, Lois Emmanuel, the state’s Commissioner for Information, did not confirm or deny the approval. However, she was later seen at the commissioning of a housing project by the governor in Jalingo, the state capital.
Mr. Ishaku contested in the last senatorial election to represent Taraba South but was defeated by the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, David Jim-Kuta. His deputy, on the other hand, contested and won the Taraba Central Senatorial seat.
