Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District, has disclosed that the recent purchase of a new presidential jet was carried out without the knowledge or approval of the National Assembly.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Abaribe revealed that no formal request for the purchase of the new aircraft was submitted to the legislature prior to its acquisition.
“I am in the National Assembly, but I can tell you for a fact that nobody—quote me, nobody—brought anything to the National Assembly to say, ‘Please approve this for the purchase of a new plane,’” Abaribe emphasized.
The senator’s remarks follow the presidency’s recent unveiling of an Airbus A330 purchased for President Bola Tinubu in August. The acquisition has sparked widespread public backlash, with Nigerians criticizing the President for allegedly prioritizing his comfort over addressing the nation’s pressing economic challenges.
Some critics also accused the National Assembly of being a “rubber stamp” body, enabling the executive’s actions without adequate scrutiny. However, Abaribe’s comments suggest otherwise, shedding light on an apparent lack of transparency in the process.
“It was done without my knowledge. Nobody brought anything. I never saw any document, and I have always been in the National Assembly. Ask anyone, none,” the senator reiterated.
Abaribe further criticized the executive for bypassing legislative oversight, stressing that such actions undermine the National Assembly’s role as a check on executive power. He called for greater accountability and adherence to due process in government spending, especially during a time of economic hardship for the country.
