Senate President Godswill Akpabio has clarified that the Senate will only consider a request for a new presidential jet if it is deemed necessary, dismissing current claims that the lawmakers are set to approve such a purchase.
During a plenary session in Abuja on Thursday, Akpabio responded to rumors suggesting that the Senate is preparing to authorize the acquisition of a new jet for President Bola Tinubu.
“Amid anticipatory blackmail, those spreading such rumors know that such a request might come in the future. If it’s necessary, the Senate will consider it. But at present, there is no such request before us,” Akpabio stated.
The Senate President emphasized that the National Assembly remains committed to the welfare of Nigerians and is focused on governance issues that benefit the country.
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He refuted claims that the lawmakers are indifferent to the needs of the masses, asserting that the Senate operates with responsibility and diligence.
“This is anticipatory blackmail. The story’s purveyors know there might be issues with the presidential fleet, and they aim to pre-emptively discredit the Senate’s future actions. However, there is currently no correspondence from the president regarding a new jet,” Akpabio reiterated.
Highlighting the importance of a functional and safe presidential fleet, Akpabio referenced tragic incidents involving defective aircraft used by government officials in other countries. “We should never allow such incidents to occur here. Safety is paramount,” he added.
The Senate President’s remarks come amid heightened scrutiny and rumors regarding the possible purchase of a new presidential jet, which he firmly dismissed as unfounded at this time.
