The Senate has made it clear that no form of anticipated blackmail will deter it from approving the purchase of a presidential plane if the necessity arises. Senate President Godswill Akpabio clarified this during a plenary session on Thursday, addressing speculations circulating on social media about his stance on the matter.
Akpabio emphasized that there is currently no formal request for the approval of a new presidential jet before the Senate. He stated, “We care about the president and we care about the Nigerian people. We will approve things that will benefit the Nigerian people.”
He continued, “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.”
Akpabio assured that if there were issues with the presidential vehicle or plane, the Senate would approve the necessary funds for repairs. He noted, “So that is not an issue. There is nothing before us. I don’t think you should worry about it.”
Addressing related concerns, Akpabio mentioned, “Somebody called me from BBC, that what I said in Senator Mongunu’s house, was false and should be disregarded, that I was now saying that I will not approve.”
He labeled these accusations as “anticipated blackmail,” suggesting that some individuals might be aware of potential issues with the presidential fleet and are preemptively attempting to influence the Senate’s decision.
He urged the public to disregard such stories, stating, “The professors of the story know very well that maybe there is a problem with the presidential fleet and that where they will go will be the parliament.”
Akpabio further highlighted the responsibility of the Senate to address critical issues that could affect the nation, citing incidents such as the death of the vice president of Malawi and the president of Iran due to defective aircraft. He stressed the importance of maintaining a functional presidential fleet to avoid such tragedies.
Concluding his remarks, Akpabio reiterated the Senate’s commitment to considering matters that benefit the country’s governance. He stated, “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.”
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