Flash:No Amount of Blackmail Will Stop Senate from Approving New Aircraft for President:Akpabio

Senate Extends 2023 Budget Implementation to December 31″

“Akpabio Vows to Approve New Aircraft for Tinubu Despite ‘Blackmail’ – Senate Extends 2023 Budget Implementation to December 31”

Eaglessightnews reports that In a move that has sparked controversy, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has vowed to approve a new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu, despite criticism from some quarters.

According to Akpabio made this known during an emergency plenary session on Thursday, where he reacted to comments made by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, regarding the planned purchase of a new executive jet for the President and Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

Akpabio denied reports that he had stated that the Senate would approve a new plane for the President, irrespective of the current economic hardship in the country. He explained that he was not in the country when the news broke and vowed to approve a new airplane for Tinubu, notwithstanding the “hunger in the land.”

The Senate President stated, “I was in Zanzibar attending to inter-parliamentary union meetings when that information went out that the Senate President said he would approve a brand new plane for the President, irrespective of whether they are suffering or no suffering. There was never a time such a statement came from me because I’ve never had any correspondence to approve a plan or not approve a plan, and I did not want to answer.”

Akpabio emphasized that the Senate cares about the President and the Nigerian people, and will approve things that will benefit the country. He also drew parallels with the deaths of the Vice President of Malawi and the President of Iran, which were attributed to defective planes.

Meanwhile, the Senate and House of Representatives have extended the implementation of the 2023 supplementary appropriation bill until December 31. This is the second time the lawmakers have extended the implementation of the 2023 budget, which was initially extended until June.

The development means that the federal government is currently implementing two budgets – the 2023 and 2024 Appropriation Acts.

The extension of the 2023 budget implementation was announced by Akpabio during the emergency plenary session, after it was read for the first, second, and third times and supported by a majority of the senators. The appropriation bills were separately considered at the senate committee on supply.

The House of Representatives also considered and passed bills seeking to extend the implementation of the 2023 Appropriation Act and the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Act till December 2024. This was sequel to the passage into law of the 2023 Appropriation Act Amendment Bill 2024 and the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Act Amendment Bill 2024 by the House.

The bills were titled the 2023 Appropriation Amendment Bill, 2024, and the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Amendment Bill, 2024. The executive arm of government presented the two bills via a letter transmitted from Tinubu, which was read on the floor of the House by Speaker, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen.

The extension of the budget implementation has raised concerns among Nigerians, who are already feeling the pinch of economic hardship. Many have taken to social media to express their displeasure, with some calling on the government to prioritize the welfare of citizens over the purchase of a new aircraft for the President.

Despite the criticism, Akpabio remains adamant that the Senate will approve the new aircraft, citing the need for the President’s safety and security. The Senate President’s stance has sparked a heated debate, with many questioning the priorities of the government.

As the controversy continues to unfold, Nigerians are waiting with bated breath to see how the situation will play out. One thing is certain, however – the purchase of a new aircraft for the President has become a highly contentious issue that is not going away anytime soon.

Akpabio’s vow to approve the new aircraft has sparked a heated debate among Nigerians, with many expressing outrage and disappointment on social media. Some have questioned the priorities of the government, wondering why a new aircraft is needed when the country is facing economic hardship and other pressing issues.

“This is a clear case of misplaced priorities,” wrote one Twitter user. “The government should be focusing on addressing the suffering of Nigerians, not wasting money on a new aircraft for the President.”

Others have criticized Akpabio’s statement, saying it shows a disconnect from the reality of the average Nigerian. “How can he say that the Senate will approve a new aircraft when many Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet?” asked another Twitter user.

Despite the backlash, Akpabio remains defiant, insisting that the new aircraft is necessary for the President’s safety and security. “We cannot compromise the security of the President,” he said in a statement. “The new aircraft will ensure his safe transportation and provide a symbol of national pride.”

The controversy has also sparked a wider debate about government spending and priorities. Some have called for greater transparency and accountability in government spending, while others have urged the government to focus on addressing the country’s pressing issues, such as poverty, unemployment, and insecurity.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will play out. Will the Senate approve the new aircraft, or will they succumb to public pressure and prioritize the welfare of Nigerians? Only time will tell.