The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced that the Senate would approve a proposal for a new presidential jet if President Bola Tinubu requested it. Speaking at a plenary session on Thursday, Akpabio clarified that there is currently no request before the Senate for such an approval.

Addressing Senate’s Stance on Presidential Fleet

Akpabio addressed the Senate’s stance on the matter, emphasizing their commitment to the well-being of both the President and the Nigerian people. “We care about the President and the Nigerian people. We will approve things that benefit the Nigerian people and improve their living standards,” he stated.

He added that the Senate would support necessary expenditures for the President’s duties, such as repairing his vehicle or plane if needed. “If his vehicle is bad, we will repair it. If his plane is bad, we will approve money for the repair of the plane. So that is not an issue. There is nothing before us now, so I don’t think you should worry about it.”

Akpabio also addressed rumors and anticipated blackmail regarding the potential request for a new presidential jet. He recounted an incident where he was contacted by someone from the BBC regarding comments made at Senator Mongunu’s house, which he described as false and should be disregarded.

“That is what you can call anticipated blackmail,” he explained. “The professors 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. And so they are now trying to do anticipated blackmail to tell us if they bring it, do not look into it.”

He urged his colleagues to ignore these rumors and focus on their responsibilities. Akpabio reassured that there is no current request regarding the presidential plane but highlighted the importance of being prepared for such issues, citing past incidents involving defective aircraft leading to the deaths of high-profile leaders.

“The Senate is very responsible. The National Assembly is very responsible. We will look into issues that will benefit the governance of the country,” Akpabio emphasized.

Senate’s Commitment to Responsible Governance

Akpabio reiterated the Senate’s dedication to responsible governance and addressing issues that benefit the country. He noted that despite speculative blackmail, the Senate would not shy away from considering necessary requests for the benefit of the nation’s leadership.

“We will approve things that would improve the living standards of the people. At the same time, we will also take cognizance of the duties of the President,” Akpabio stated. “If his vehicle is bad, we will repair the vehicle. If his plane is bad, we will approve money for the repair of the plane. So that is not an issue. There is nothing before us. I don’t think you should worry about it.”

Akpabio also addressed the incident where he was contacted by the BBC about statements made at Senator Mongunu’s house. He clarified that his remarks had been misrepresented and should be disregarded. He described the situation as anticipated blackmail, intended to influence the Senate’s decisions regarding the presidential fleet.

Akpabio urged the Senate to remain focused on their responsibilities and to ignore speculative stories. He emphasized that there is currently no request regarding the purchase of a new presidential jet, but the Senate would consider it if the need arises.

Source: Vanguard