The Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has come under scrutiny following revelations that his administration spent over N8.2 billion on luxury vehicles for government officials between January and September 2024. This figure is significantly higher than the N1 billion approved by the Ebonyi State House of Assembly for such expenses, raising concerns over unauthorized expenditures.
The details, contained in a state budget performance report obtained by SaharaReporters, show that the purchase was carried out through the office of the Secretary to the State Government. Tagged as the “Purchase of 20nos of official vehicles for the present administration,” the report disclosed that each vehicle cost an average of N411 million.
The N7.2 billion overspend was neither included in the state’s approved budget nor formally authorized by the legislature. Under the Nigerian Constitution (sections 80-83), all public expenditures must be backed by legislative approval. Spending beyond budgetary limits without such approval is considered unconstitutional and a breach of the rule of law.
“Any expenditure made without legislative authorization is unconstitutional, null and void. It clearly offends the rule of law because the authorizing agent outside of the legislature is unknown to the law,” a legal analyst explained.
Critics argue that the governor’s actions effectively usurp the powers of the legislature, blending executive and legislative roles in a manner inconsistent with Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
This revelation is likely to intensify debates around governance and accountability in Ebonyi State, with observers questioning the necessity of such extravagant spending amid pressing developmental needs. Calls for an official investigation are growing, with demands for transparency in the management of public funds.
The Ebonyi State government is yet to issue a statement addressing the controversy.
