Controversy Surrounding Peter Obi’s Procurement of SUVs for Traditional Rulers
Former Anambra Governor, Peter Obi, is facing criticism after revelations from his ex-Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Oseloka Obaze, about his decision to purchase over 400 SUVs from Innoson Motors for traditional rulers during his time in office.
Obaze disclosed this information in a tweet on March 11, highlighting an incident where a traditional ruler had a collision with his SUV, which was promptly replaced with a new vehicle by Innoson Motors.
Unexpected PR Challenges
According to Obaze, the procurement of the SUVs for traditional rulers posed unexpected PR challenges when accidents occurred. For instance, one traditional ruler experienced a crash due to his driver falling asleep at the wheel and claiming a steering lock issue. This incident raised concerns about the mechanical integrity of the vehicles.
Upon learning of the situation, Obaze intervened by coordinating with Innoson Motors to investigate the accident, repair the damaged SUV, and ensure the safety of the traditional ruler. This incident highlighted the importance of addressing potential PR crises promptly and efficiently.
Reactions and Comparisons
Following Obaze’s revelations, critics, including Reno Omokri, criticized Peter Obi for his apparent hypocrisy in condemning the allocation of funds for Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs for lawmakers while simultaneously procuring a large number of SUVs for traditional rulers. This discrepancy in actions has sparked debate and scrutiny over Obi’s decision-making as a former governor.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Peter Obi’s procurement of SUVs for traditional rulers serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that public figures face in managing public perception and navigating potential PR disasters.