Abia Government Reacts To Backlash By Obidients After It Abandoned Local Car Producers to Purchase Hilux Vans

Posted by Thandiubani on Fri 11th Aug, 2023 - tori.ng

The government said it appreciated the feedback; especially as most commenters are coming from a place of love for country and support for the Alex Otti administration.

The Government of Abia State has addressed the backlash that greeted its decision to acquire Hilux vans instead of patronizing local manufacturers.

According to the government, it appreciates the feedback.

Read the statement below:

We have read the comments on Social Media about the Toyota Hilux vans the Abia State govt bought for a special security operation named: Operation Crush.

We appreciate the feedback; especially as most commenters are coming from a place of love for country and support for the Alex Otti administration.

THE FACTS

The administration appreciates, more than anyone else, the need to patronize locally made goods. And this was why we had, upon assuming office, ordered more than 50 units of cars from the Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing company. We currently have 20 unmet orders.

As we talk, some commissioners do not even have official vehicles. The Governor’s official car is yet to be delivered. He still uses his private cars as a sitting governor.

The military service commanders in Abia needed trucks for immediate take-off of the special operation and, unfortunately, Innoson had no such vehicles in stock. The government could not delay the operation as it places premium on the lives and property of all Abians.

We are, first and foremost, interested in stemming insecurity in the state, and we want to do it quickly. We were constrained by time and had to go for what was readily available. This does not foreclose any prospect of future transactions with Innoson or any other local brand.

Finally, we are open to honest feedback such as the one we have had in the last two days. We will always listen and respond. And even if we disagree with your perspective, we will still respond.

Thank you.

Nedu Ekeke

Deputy Chief of Staff To Governor Alex Otti.