Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe refutes claims that a proposal for a new presidential jet was submitted to the National Assembly, emphasizing transparency in legislative procedures.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who represents the Abia South Senatorial District, stated that no one approached the National Assembly with a request for a new presidential jet prior to its eventual purchase.
In August, the Presidency revealed a newly purchased Airbus A330 for President Bola Tinubu.
After the new jet purchase, the Presidency received significant criticism from Nigerians who believed that the President prioritized personal luxury over addressing the economic hardships experienced by the general population.
In one of his explanations, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga stated that what was acquired was a “refurbished jet,” not a new one as had been reported.
Members of the National Assembly were not exempt from criticism concerning the jet purchase, with many labeling them as a rubber stamp for easily approving the Presidency’s request to buy a new jet.
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Senator Abaribe, in an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program on Monday, stated that no such request was ever presented to the National Assembly.
Abaribe stated on the program, “While I am a member of the national assembly, I can assure you that absolutely no one has approached us requesting approval for funding to purchase a new plane.”
“I wasn’t aware of it, and nobody brought anything to my attention. I never saw any documents, and I’ve always been in the national assembly. You can ask anyone—there’s nothing.”
He stated that the Presidency’s lack of a request to the National Assembly implies that legislators are not effectively fulfilling their role as a check on executive power.
The senator expressed concern that the public views National Assembly members as mere rubber stamps. He noted this perception arises because lawmakers feel they have made significant efforts but achieved little for the public, leading them to try cooperating more with the executive branch.
