Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South senatorial district, has strongly refuted claims that the National Assembly approved the purchase of a new presidential jet.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the lawmaker asserted that no formal request for such a purchase was ever presented to the legislative body.
The controversy arose after the Presidency unveiled an Airbus A330 in August, which was reportedly acquired for President Bola Tinubu.
The announcement sparked widespread criticism, with many Nigerians accusing the government of prioritizing luxury amid ongoing economic challenges. In defense, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga clarified that the jet was not new but a “refurbished” aircraft.
Despite this explanation, both the Presidency and the National Assembly faced backlash. Critics alleged that lawmakers had readily approved the expenditure without considering public sentiment. However, Senator Abaribe firmly denied this. He stated:
He said: “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 purchase of a new plane.
“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.”
