The Senate addressed concerns on Thursday regarding alleged blackmail over an alleged request by President Bola Tinubu for new presidential jets.
Senate President Sen. Godswill Akpabio summarized the Senate’s stance in Abuja, condemning what he termed “anticipatory blackmail” from sections of the public.
He clarified that there was no request before the Senate for such planes and criticized the misrepresentation of his statements implying otherwise.
Akpabio emphasized the Senate’s commitment to approving matters beneficial to Nigerians, including repairs for presidential vehicles or planes if needed.
He highlighted recent air accidents involving faulty planes and assured that the Senate would fulfill its duties responsibly should a request for new planes arise.
Earlier, Majority Leader Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele dismissed the insinuations as the work of “fifth columnists,” confirming no current request for plane purchases before the Senate.
He explained that any future decision on such matters would involve the collective deliberation of the Senate and House members.
Meanwhile, the Senate extended the implementation period of the 2023 Appropriation Act and the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Act to December 31, 2024, to facilitate ongoing project completion and prevent project abandonment.
The bills were swiftly passed following thorough readings on the same day, citing the strategic importance of completing critical projects for national benefit.
The 2023 budget totaled N21.83 trillion, with a supplementary budget of N2.17 trillion.
