Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has handed over 23 brand-new 2024 GAC GS8 4WD SUVs to judicial officers in the state, a move aimed at boosting the performance and morale of the judiciary.
Each vehicle is valued at approximately ₦75 million, totaling approximately ₦1.7 billion for the entire fleet. The official presentation took place during a brief ceremony at the Government House in Yola on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Speaking at the event, Governor Fintiri said the procurement was part of his administration’s commitment to “enhancing efficiency and performance” within the judiciary. He emphasized the importance of equipping key institutions to function optimally in a democratic society.
Receiving the vehicles on behalf of the judiciary, Adamawa State Chief Judge Justice Hafsat Abdurrahman expressed gratitude to the governor for what she described as his “continued support” and assured the public of the judiciary’s resolve to dispense justice impartially.
Mixed Reactions Amid Economic Concerns
While the gesture has been applauded in some quarters as a boost for judicial independence and capacity, the timing and scale of the expenditure have drawn criticism, especially in light of Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges.
The development comes just days after a U.S. Embassy social media post spotlighted a damning report by The Africa Report, which accused some Nigerian governors of lavish spending on luxury projects and government facilities, even as citizens endure worsening hardship.
The report, titled “Nigeria’s ruling class splashes billions on government houses”, cited cases such as:
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Oyo State’s ₦63.4 billion Government House renovation.
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Gombe State’s ₦14.9 billion ultra-modern governor’s residence and a separate ₦14.2 billion House of Assembly project.
Critics argue that such expenditures betray the spirit of shared sacrifice urged by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has repeatedly called on Nigerians to endure economic reforms that have led to fuel subsidy removals and rising inflation.
The U.S. government, quoting transparency and anti-corruption advocacy groups, warned that unchecked public spending on opulence was eroding public trust and deepening inequality.
“Such alleged lack of fiscal responsibility fuels inequality and erodes public trust,” the U.S. Embassy tweeted.
As public discourse intensifies around the priorities of political leaders during economic downturns, Governor Fintiri’s multi-billion-naira vehicle purchase may remain a focal point in the ongoing debate over governance, accountability, and the prudent use of public funds.
