…after getting ‘generous’ allowances
Less than a week after the management staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), were exposed of reviewing their allowances upward Amid hitting hardship in the country, the apex regulatory bank purchased ulta-modern armored vehicles.
The CBN governor, Dr Olayemi Cardoso, had reportedly upgraded his annual housing allowances for the governor and his deputies to nearly N1 billion each.
This staggering sum is even more scandalous when considering that all five officials already reside in opulent official residences in the upscale Maitama district of Abuja. Such an exorbitant allocation, sources say, is indefensible, especially when viewed against the backdrop of a struggling Nigerian economy and widespread poverty.
In another shocking revelation, it has been alleged that Cardoso and his deputies upgraded their international travel privileges from business class to first class. This comes at a time when the Nigerian economy is on life support, with the naira continuing its freefall against major global currencies and inflation eroding the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians.
READ ALSO: We are sorry, South African man begs Nigerians after Bolt prank
It is alleged that a first-class ticket to New York from Abuja which costs upwards of $15,000, is now standard for the CBN’s top brass. “How can they justify such luxury when the average Nigerian is struggling to afford basic necessities?” another source within the bank lamented.
The allegations do not stop there. It is reported that the governor and his deputies have also upgraded their foreign travel allowances to more than $7,000 per night. For a week-long trip, these officials could pocket over $50,000, excluding additional perks such as entertainment and extra baggage allowances.
As the nation groans under hunger, hardship and inflation, the governor and his four deputies are lavishing in abundance, purchasing ulta-modern armored vehicles and smiling home with jumbo allowances.
However, aside the allowances, the CBN governor recently procured six armored Lexus LX 600 2023 models for himself and four deputies at the cost of over N10 billion.
Insiders said each of the apex bank’s deputy governors — Emem Usoro, Philip Ikeazor, Bala Bello and Sani Abdullahi — has taken delivery of one of the armored SUVs.
Sources however said the apex bank governor got two SUVs, to be used in Lagos and Abuja.
It was also gathered that both the governor and his deputies already have armored vehicles in their convoy before the procurement of the new ones.
READ ALSO: Nigeria’s naira crude revolution
Insiders further alleged that Mr Cardoso also bought about 20 latest Toyota Camry cars at the rate of N85m for the CBN management and the board members.
The jumbo allowances of the CBN governor, deputies
CBN insiders revealed that the governor and his deputies have allegedly jacked up their annual housing allowances to about a staggering one billion naira despite occupying official palatial residences in Maitama, Abuja.
According to the sources, they upgraded their international travel privileges from business class to first class at a time a first class ticket from Abuja to New York costs about 15,000 dollars.
The insiders said the governor and his deputies have also upgraded their foreign travel allowances, pocketing 7,000 dollars a night for a foreign trip.
Attempts to get reaction from the CBN spokesperson Hakama Sidi-Ali were unsuccessful as she neither responded to call nor SMS sent to her phone number.
How much is Lexus LX 600?
According to www.fox7austin.com, the full-size LX 600 is based on the latest Toyota Land Cruiser, which is a favorite of government agencies and aid organizations operating in hostile areas.
“The LX 600 is aimed more at the rich and famous looking for protection and includes a host of features that turn their trucks into luxurious bunkers.
“The vehicle has been fully armored to take shots from a 7.62mm rifle and has been certified to be able to withstand simultaneous blasts from two hand grenades.
“Along with the ballistic bodywork and glass, the vehicle is equipped with protection for its engine, cargo area and fuel tank. It rides on a beefed-up suspension to handle the extra weight and run-flat tires to keep it moving under all circumstances,” the website said.
Options include a siren, fire suppression system, night vision cameras and escape hatches in case it is rolled or otherwise disabled.
According to the experts, the standard LX 600, with its 409 hp turbocharged V6 and 4×4 drivetrain, starts at $88,245, while the armored versions cost well over $200,000, depending on the configuration.
BusinessInsider
