Senate investigates procurement, a futile exercise after vessel delivery
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Request by President Bola Tinubu for N5 billion to purchase a “Presidential Yacht” he listed in the 2023 supplementary budget is up for investigation at the Senate, but it may end up in futility as the vessel has already been signed, sealed, and delivered.
The Senate Committee on the Navy resolved on Wednesday to probe the purchase of the luxury ship and the circumstances surrounding it, coinciding with news on the day that Tinubu has signed the supplementary budget bill into law.
He presented the entire N2.176 trillion budget to the National Assembly (NASS) on October 31. The Senate passed it without modification, but the House of Representatives removed the yacht and added the N5 billion for the yacht to the N5 billion voted for students’ loan to raise that budget to N10 billion.
Although the harmonised budget report presented by Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman, Solomon Adeola (APC, Ogun West) was jointly signed by himself and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Abubakar Bichi, the House refused to include the N5 billion yacht allocation.
The probe was disclosed by Senate Navy Committee Chairman Gbenga Daniel (APC, Ogun East), who promised the probe will be done within a concise timeframe of one week.
“The uproar over the potential acquisition of the yacht has gained substantial attention since it was first disclosed in the media,” he said.
“Many Nigerians have voiced their concerns and criticism, with a significant number expressing displeasure about how such a luxury item can find its way into the supplementary budget.
“Given the conflicting and contradictory reports circulating in the media regarding the acquisition of the Presidential Yacht, we have identified the need for a thorough investigation.”
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Purpose of investigation
“The primary objective is to uncover the facts, dispel uncertainties, and provide the public with an accurate and comprehensive understanding of the situation,” Daniel explained, per Vanguard.
“Many Nigerians believe that the position of the Senate committee in this regard signifies a significant step towards transparency and accountability within the government by the Senate.
“The committee also resolved to visit all naval facilities across the country, with a view to prioritising training and welfare of naval personnel and veterans, while emphasising the need for improved funding for the Nigerian Navy to perform their critical roles in the nation’s economic and security sector.
“The committee further resolved to promote the modernisation of the Nigerian Navy’s fleet, enhance its operational capabilities and push for naval research and development agencies.”