Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District, has stated unequivocally that the National Assembly was not consulted or involved in the purchase of a new Airbus A330 jet unveiled by the Presidency in August.
His comments come amid widespread criticism of the acquisition, with many Nigerians condemning the decision as insensitive in the face of the nation’s economic challenges.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Senator Abaribe emphasized that no official request or document regarding the jet purchase was ever presented to the National Assembly.
“I can tell you for a fact that nobody, quote me, nobody brought anything to the National Assembly to say please approve this for purchase of a new plane,” Abaribe said, expressing concern over the lack of transparency.
The purchase, initially reported as a new acquisition, was later clarified by Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga as a “refurbished jet,” though this explanation did little to quell public outrage. Critics have accused the National Assembly of being a rubber stamp for the executive, approving such expenditures without adequate scrutiny.
Abaribe refuted these claims, stating that the lawmakers were not even aware of the purchase, let alone involved in any approval process.
“It was done without my knowledge, nobody brought anything.
I never saw any document,” he said, urging the public to verify his claims with other legislators.
The senator expressed concern about the eroding public trust in the National Assembly, attributing this to the perception that lawmakers are complicit in the executive’s actions.
He argued that the legislative body’s oversight role is being undermined when decisions of this magnitude are made without their involvement.
The jet purchase has intensified public scrutiny of government spending, with many citizens questioning the prioritization of luxury over addressing the pressing economic difficulties faced by Nigerians.
Abaribe’s revelations highlight a growing disconnect between the executive and legislative arms of government, raising questions about accountability and transparency at the highest levels of leadership.
The Presidency has yet to respond to Abaribe’s claims.