ABUJA: Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District, has clarified that no request for the purchase of a new presidential jet was ever brought before the National Assembly before the acquisition of the new Airbus A330 for President Bola Tinubu.
In August, the Presidency unveiled the purchase of the new jet, which quickly became a point of contention among Nigerians. Critics argued that the decision to acquire the jet reflected a disregard for the economic struggles of the masses, with many questioning the prioritization of luxury over addressing pressing national issues.
In response to the backlash, Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga clarified that the jet was not entirely new, as initially reported, but rather a “refurbished” one.
Despite the explanations, the National Assembly faced heavy criticism, with many accusing lawmakers of rubber-stamping presidential requests without scrutiny, particularly over the jet purchase. However, Senator Abaribe, speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television Monday, insisted that no such request had been made to the legislature.
I am in the National Assembly, and I can tell you for a fact that nobody, quote me, nobody brought anything to the National Assembly to request approval for the purchase of a new plane,” Abaribe said during the program. It was done without my knowledge. No one presented any document. I have always been in the National Assembly, and I can tell you, none.
Read also:
- Federal Executive Council Approves ₦47.9 Trillion National Budget for 2025
- FG Accuses Chinese Firm Of ‘Fraudulent’ Attempt To Seize 3 Presidential Flights
Abaribe’s statement raised concerns about the effectiveness of legislative oversight, as he noted that the failure to bring such a request to the National Assembly undermines the legislature’s role in checking the executive.
The senator further expressed his worries about the public’s perception of the National Assembly as a rubber-stamp body. He acknowledged that many lawmakers, disheartened by a lack of progress on key issues despite their efforts, often seek to cooperate with the executive in hopes of achieving some form of political gain.
