Worried by the high numbers of vehicles acquired by Cross River State government from Coscharis Motors, which are regularly ferreted from Lagos to the state, the Cross River State House of Assembly has set up a five–man Special Committee to investigate the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU between the State Government and the Coscharis Company.
The Committee, which is headed by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon Itaya Asuquo Nyong will among other things collates all necessary information that will strengthen the Assembly’s position on the MoU.
The Special Committee was constituted in response to a motion moved by Hon. Nyong which questioned the constant supply of vehicles to the State since 2008 without the company setting up even an office in the State which he said is a clear case of capital flight.
Itaya revealed that the government has so far acquired over 3000 vehicles costing the state several billions of Naira from the Company since 2008 when Senator Liyel Imoke assumed the reins of power in the state.
He stated that it was regrettable that it has become increasingly difficult to maintain these vehicles using the available service center in the Ministry of Works as the cost was very high without the company setting up a service center in the state.
Hon Nyong argued that even when vehicle parts were available, getting the necessary skilled mechanics to fix the vehicles is near impossible and suggested that the establishment of a workshop by Coscharis will provide employment and ensure that the right servicing and repairs are done on its horde of vehicle brands in the state.
In his contributions, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon Larry Odey said it was important that the content of the MoU be made public so that all other benefits can come into the State, stressing that the company must keep faith with its corporate social responsibility.
Other members of the Special Committee include, Hon. Wilson Ekpenyong, Hon. Agbiji M. Agbiji, Hon. Ernest Eki and Hon. Steve Ukpekpen.
It is worthy to note that since 2008, any political appointment in the state, no matter how remote or seemingly insignificant entitles the beneficiary to a brand new SUV or a four wheel drive, or a saloon Ford and sometimes all the three brands are handed over to the appointee.
Source: Crossriverwatch
