Bayelsa House of Assembly approves N3 bn to acquire cars behind closed doors amidst 6 months salary arrears of civil servants

Facts have emerged behind the closed door sitting of the Bayelsa legislature  on Tuesday locking out members of the public.

Bayelsa House Assembly on sat behind closed doors to approve a loan request of N3 bn from the executive to purchase cars for the legislature and other political office holders, Speaker, Kombowei Benson confirmed to newsmen on Thursday.

The loan request by Governor Dickson is coming at a time the government cannot meet its salary obligations to civil servants totalling over six months in some ministries and departments of government.

 Journalists were on Tuesday barred from coverage of proceedings at the Assembly's chambers in Yenagoa on Tuesday and compelled to leave the assembly premises.

Defending the decision of the House, Benson said on Thursday that the legislators had nothing to hide but resolved to consider the loan application in camera because it will not take much time.

"The sitting lasted for less than 30 minutes and we felt that there was no need for media coverage for such a brief session. There is a need for the cars, we have been without cars for about two years after inuaguration.

"The same goes for other political appointees who need cars to function effectively and discharge their duties.

"Also some vehicles will be acquired for the state security outfit christened  'Operation Doo Akpo' which is almost going moribun for lack of operational vehicles.

"The decsion was unanimous amongst members what we can do is to buy affordable cars to save cost." Benson said.

The speaker declined to give further details on the number of cars to be purchased with the loan.

Meanwhile Civil Servants who reacted to the development condemned the decision to take loans to buy cars for political appointees, despite outstanding salaries of six months owed civil servants in Bayelsa.

Mr Tari Jones said that the decision was unpopular and unjustifiable.

"It is insensitive of the government to be taking loans to buy cars for the legislators whose emoluments have been paid regularly but civil servants have not been paid, this is unreasonable," he said.