Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, has asserted that the National Assembly was not consulted or presented with a request for the purchase of a new presidential jet before its acquisition.
His comments come after the Presidency unveiled an Airbus A330 in August, intended for President Bola Tinubu.
The purchase sparked widespread criticism, with many Nigerians accusing the President of prioritizing personal luxury amid the nation’s economic struggles.
In response, Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga clarified that the aircraft was not brand-new but a “refurbished” jet.
Members of the National Assembly were also criticized, with some alleging they simply rubber-stamped the executive’s decisions.
However, Senator Abaribe, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, denied any involvement or knowledge of the matter.
“I can categorically state that no request for the purchase of a new plane was ever brought to the National Assembly,” Abaribe said.
“I have been in the Assembly and can confirm that no such document or approval request was presented. None.”
Abaribe expressed concern that bypassing the legislature undermines its role as a check on executive power.
He also acknowledged the growing public perception of lawmakers as overly compliant with the executive, attributing this to frustration among legislators who feel their efforts to stand firm have not yielded significant public impact, prompting some to adopt a more cooperative stance.