Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District, has revealed that the National Assembly was not approached for approval before the purchase of the recently unveiled Airbus A330 for President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, Abaribe stated unequivocally that no formal request regarding the jet acquisition was presented to lawmakers.
“I can tell you for a fact that nobody brought anything to the National Assembly to say, ‘Please approve this for the purchase of a new plane.’ It was done without my knowledge. Ask anyone in the National Assembly — none,” he said.
The revelation follows public backlash against the Presidency over the acquisition, with critics accusing President Tinubu of prioritizing luxury amidst widespread economic hardship. While Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga claimed the aircraft was a refurbished jet rather than a new purchase, the explanation has done little to quell public discontent.
National Assembly members have also faced criticism, with some labeling them as rubber stamps for the executive. Abaribe, however, expressed concern over the erosion of legislative oversight, highlighting the failure to ensure accountability in executive actions.
He acknowledged the growing perception of the legislature’s lack of independence, attributing it to a history of strained relations between lawmakers and the executive, which has sometimes forced cooperation at the expense of oversight.
The controversy underscores broader concerns about transparency and accountability in governance, with many Nigerians questioning the priorities of their leaders amid ongoing economic challenges.