In the midst of speculations of a N1.14 billion donation to the Republic of Niger to support the buying of a few operational vehicles, the Federal government on Wednesday justified the approval.
Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed affirmed the purchase while handling questions from reporters, soon after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided by the President, Muhammadu Buhari.
Following the outrage produced by the approval uncovered by a popular social media influencer, David Hundeyin, on Wednesday, the minster contended that despite the fact that Nigerians reserve the right to scrutinize the reasoning for such donation, President Muhammadu Buhari, who supported the purchase, likewise has the right to make his own assessment on circumstances and act accordingly.
The document released by the media influencer showed that the president approved the release of the fund on the 22nd of February this year.
The agreement to supply the 10 units of Toyota Land Cruisers was awarded to IFO Kaura Motors Nig. Limited.
Yet, justifying the funds, Zanaib noted that the President reserves the right to take decisions in legitimate interest of Nigeria, demanding that “this was not the first time the country is providing such interventions to her neighbours.
“Let me just say that over time, Nigeria has had to support her neighbours, especially, the immediate neighbours to enhance their capacity to secure their countries as it relates to us. This is not the first time that Nigeria had assisted the Niger Republic, Cameroon, or Chad.
“The President makes an assessment as to what is required based on the request of their Presidents. Such requests are approved and interventions are provided.
“It is to enhance their capacity to protect their countries, as it relates to security and also to Nigeria.
She added that “Nigerians have the right to ask questions, but also the President has the responsibility to make an assessment of what is in the best interest of the country and I cannot question the decision myself.
“I have said this is not the first time and that Nigeria as a country has provided intervention to our neighbours. It is in the best interest of Nigeria to do so”
Reports had arisen that the President approved around 10 Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles to the Republic of Niger yet didn’t, notwithstanding, specify the reason for such approval.
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