Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated on Thursday that the Senate would consider a request for a new presidential jet if deemed necessary, but he dismissed current claims that lawmakers are poised to approve such a purchase.
Akpabio addressed the issue during a plenary session in Abuja, amid speculation that the Senate is set to approve the acquisition of a new jet for President Bola Tinubu.
“Irrespective of anticipatory blackmail, because those people know very well that something like that might come in the future. And if it’s a necessity, the Senate will look into it. But there is nothing like that before us now. So, they can go ahead and blackmail the senate president, that will not affect me,” Akpabio said.
Senate is Very Responsible
Refuting claims that the National Assembly is indifferent to the welfare of the masses, Akpabio emphasized the lawmakers’ commitment to serving the best interests of Nigerians.
“The Senate is very responsible. The National Assembly is very responsible. We will look into issues that will benefit the governance of the country,” he affirmed.
Akpabio also addressed the motives behind the rumors, suggesting that they were preemptive attempts to discredit the Senate.
“That is what you can call anticipatory blackmail. The purveyors of the story know very well that maybe there is a problem with the presidential fleet and that where they will go will be the parliament,” he said.
“And so they are now trying to do anticipatory blackmail to tell us if they bring it, do not look into it.”
Addressing Safety Concerns
Akpabio underscored the importance of ensuring the safety of the presidential fleet, referencing incidents involving defective aircraft that led to the deaths of high-ranking officials in other countries.
“I read the president’s correspondence to us, there was nothing touching on a plane or no plane. But I can tell you that when you hear stories such as the death of the vice president of Malawi as a result of a defective plane. And then you hear stories such as the death of the president of Iran as a result of a defective helicopter and all that, we shouldn’t ever dream and allow such to be at our portion. It wouldn’t be,” Akpabio stated.