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•May be released after screening
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VOL. 7, NO. 1916 MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2011
TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH
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Tambuwal sets rules as Reps opt for N2.5b cars 360 Camry cars for members
T
O ensure prudence, Speaker Aminu Tambuwal has set new financial rules as the House of Representatives opts for N2.5billion worth of Toyota Camry cars for its 360 members’ oversight functions. The unit price of the highest grade of the car (double cylinders) is said to be N7million going by the official rate adopted to buy the same brand for Senators in the last National Assembly. It was, however, learnt that other brands of the same car could cost between N5.6m (second hand) and N6.5million. Tambuwal is said to have imposed stringent conditions for the purchase of the cars to avert dragging the House leadership’s name in the mud as was the case in the past. Tambuwal also asked members to stay away from the award of contracts relating to the cars and any other item.
From Yusuf Alli, Abuja
He said the management of the National Assembly, which is the civil service arm, will handle the purchase. The House, it was learnt, split into four groups on whether or not to buy the cars. The groups are those opposed to new cars because of the fiscal challenge facing the country and a N2.8billion car scam that trailed the last House; those in support of new cars; those who wanted members to use buses from the vehicle pool for oversight functions; and those insisting that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) should provide vehicles for members on oversight assignments. After weeks of heated debate, members last week settled for the Camry cars instead of the Peugeot 407 ST Sports cars used by members of the last House. Although the exact number of cars the House will buy is being jealously guarded, it was gathered that it might not be less than 360 translating to a car per head. The Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Alhaji Zakari
•Some of the burnt operational vehicles ... yesterday
Four killed in Gombe police station bombing
A
N explosion yesterday rocked Gombe State, killing an Inspector of Police and three others. The bombing occurred at the 34 Police Mobile Squadron on Gombe-Dukku road. Fourteen police vehicles were burnt in the explosion. According to sources, some unknown assailants attacked the police armoury and administrative block.
From Yusuf Alli, Abuja and Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos
The administrative block was razed, and the Inspector burnt beyond recognition. A reliable source said: “The Mobile Squadron is the unit securing Gombe following tension in the state. “Some members of the Squadron Continued on page 59
•An unexploded bomb ... yesterday
Continued on page 4
NLC: subsidy removal a declaration of war
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•Omar
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