Labour Party lawmakers too few to stop National Assembly’s plan to buy SUV – Senator Imasuen react to criticism

Labour Party Senator Imasuen addresses criticism, defends LP Lawmakers’ position on National Assembly’s plan of SUV acquisition.

Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo Central under the Labour Party (LP), has provided insights into the party’s position regarding the purchase of sports utility vehicles (SUVs) by the National Assembly.

He emphasized that LP lawmakers should not be unfairly criticized for not being able to halt the plan to buy luxury vehicles, given their minority status within the legislative body.

Speaking in Benin City, Edo state, Senator Imasuen acknowledged the reality that LP lawmakers are outnumbered by members of other parties in the National Assembly.

The Senators clarified that in a democracy, the majority often prevails, making it challenging for LP senators to unilaterally block the decision to acquire SUVs for legislators.

He expressed his own situation, noting that he has not received any vehicle, nor has one been offered to him.

Senator Imasuen emphasized that LP senators are committed to voicing their beliefs and concerns in the parliament, but their eight members cannot influence the majority’s decision.

He highlighted the unfairness in focusing criticism on Labour Party senators, given their limited capacity to influence the larger parliamentary body.

He stated that if 109 vehicles were allocated to senators and eight LP senators rejected them, it would have minimal budgetary and overall impact on the National Assembly.

Senator Imasuen asserted that even if they voted against it, the 101 other senators might vote in favor.

He pointed out the pragmatic issue that if the LP senators declined the vehicles, someone else would ultimately receive and use them.

The LP senator concluded by underlining the intended purpose of the vehicles, primarily as working assets for senators.

He maintained that their stance would not stop the SUV acquisition, as it would be decided by a parliamentary majority vote.