‘We Can’t Disgrace Nigeria’ — Senate Rejects N127m Presidential Automotive Price range, Says It’s Not Sufficient

The Senate has rejected the proposed N127 million funds for the acquisition of SUV autos for the Presidential Villa, insisting that the quantity is just too small to satisfy safety and diplomatic requirements.

Lawmakers mentioned approving such a determine would embarrass the nation and weaken Nigeria’s picture earlier than the worldwide group.

The place was made recognized throughout a funds defence session in Abuja on Wednesday by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Particular Duties, Senator Kaka Shehu.

Shehu acknowledged the trouble of the President to advertise equity in budgetary allocation throughout authorities establishments. He mentioned the present administration was displaying management by guaranteeing that the Presidential Villa was handled like different ministries and businesses.

He mentioned, “The renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu is alive. We’re completely happy that even the villa is being handled equally with different ministries. That’s management by instance.

“Convey our deep appreciation to Mr President. We’re going to do justice to the funds earlier than us.

“Nonetheless, I’ll be part of my colleague in rejecting N127 million for SUV within the villa, it can not purchase even a bulletproof ‘tokunbo’. We should mission the picture of Nigeria positively within the committee of countries.

“That’s completely unacceptable. So we’ll pay attention to that and do the needful. We don’t need a state of affairs the place a visiting president will use ‘tokunbo’ on the airport. No.

“So, the funds workplace should sit up. Once you now ship your proposal, it’s a must to do justice to your request not by lowering it to an quantity that may find yourself shopping for a ‘tokunbo’.”

In keeping with the senator, Nigeria should preserve dignity in issues that concern presidential actions and official engagements with overseas leaders. He warned that insufficient funding for presidential autos might expose the nation to ridicule throughout worldwide visits and official ceremonies.

Members of the committee additionally confused that safety issues shouldn’t be compromised by unrealistic funds figures. They argued that autos utilized by the President and visiting dignitaries should meet world security requirements.