Akpabio Says Why Senate Will Approve Jets For Tinubu And Shettima

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stated that the Senate will authorise funds for the acquisition of a new presidential plane if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu makes a request.

Speaking during Thursday’s plenary session, Akpabio stated that he has yet to receive a formal request from the President asking Senate approval for such a purchase.

Akpabio who spoke after a closed-door meeting with senators that lasted about an hour said; “We will approve things that would improve the living standard of the people. At the same time, we will also take cognizance of the duties of the president.

“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.

“I read the president’s correspondence to us. Nothing was 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 the death of the president of Iran as a result of defective aircraft, we shouldn’t ever sit and allow such to be at the ocean.

“It wouldn’t be. The Senate is very responsible. The National Assembly is very responsible. We will look into issues that will benefit the governance of the country.

“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.

“There is nothing before us. But the purveyors of the story know that there is a problem with the presidential fleet.”

Senators had interrupted their break, which was set to finish on July 2, 2024, to return for an emergency session. The goal of this session was to discuss a measure revising the 2023 extra appropriation act to extend its implementation until December 31, 2024, as requested by President Tinubu.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli