The Senate on Thursday dismissed claims that it had approved the purchase of a new presidential jet for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio clarified this during the plenary session.
“We have never approved the purchase of a presidential jet. There is no such request before us now. It is mere anticipatory blackmail,” Akpabio stated.
Senate President Akpabio made this clarification in response to observations raised by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who noted that there were rumors suggesting the Senate’s support for procuring a new presidential aircraft.
Akpabio emphasized that there are forces attempting to destabilize the parliament.
Recent speculations suggested that the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence had urged the Federal Government to purchase new airplanes for Tinubu and Shettima.
The committee allegedly issued this call following a hearing on the status and airworthiness of the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF).
“The Committee is of the strong and informed opinion that considering the fragile structure of the Nigerian federation and recognizing the dire consequences of any foreseen or unforeseen mishap that may arise as a result of technical/operational inadequacy of the Presidential Air Fleet, it is in the best interest of the country to procure two additional aircraft as recommended,” the purported report stated.
However, Senate President Akpabio, while addressing journalists in Maiduguri, described these claims as false.
“I want to dispel the rumour that you are hearing that the Senate President said he will buy a new plane for the President and his Vice, irrespective of the fact that Nigerians are hungry or whatever,” Akpabio was quoted as saying.
“I never said that. I was actually in Zanzibar, Tanzania. It is the handiwork of propagandists and fifth columnists, who never see anything good in what we are doing. Be rest assured, pray for the government, have patience, and be assured that the combination of Tinubu and Shettima will bring wealth and prosperity to all.”