Tag: Presidential yacht

The Senate Committee on Navy has said it would investigate the circumstances and issues surrounding the controversial Presidential yacht within the next one week.

The Committee chaired by Senator Gbenga Daniel, according to a statement by his media office, said the probe was in response to escalating controversy surrounding the procurement of a yacht.

The primary objective of the probe, according to the statement, is to “uncover the facts, dispel uncertainties, and provide the public with an accurate and comprehensive understanding of the situation.”

Apart from the investigation, the Committee also resolved to visit all naval facilities across the country with a view to prioritizing training and welfare of naval personnel and veterans, while emphasizing the need for improved funding for the Nigerian Navy to perform their critical role in the nation’s economic and security sector.

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The Committee further resolved to promote the modernization of the Nigerian Navy’s fleet, enhance its operational capabilities and push for naval research and development agencies.

Since the news of the intended procurement of the Presidential Yacht leaked in the media, it has generated serious controversy with many Nigerians pointing accusing fingers at the presidency for being insensitive.

The uproar over the potential acquisition of the yacht has gained substantial attention since it was first disclosed in the media.

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 yacht’s acquisition, Otunba Daniel, at the helm of the Senate Committee on Navy, has identified the need for a thorough investigation.

Many Nigerians believe that the position of the Senate Committee in this regard signifies a significant step toward transparency and accountability within the government by the senate.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, has provided clarification to trending reports of Presidential Yacht in the 2023 supplementary budget.

Bagudu’s reaction comes after the House of Representatives had scrapped the controversial presidential yacht from the supplementary budget.

The Nation reports presidency had also clarified that the operational naval boat with specialised gadgets referred to as Presidential Yacht in the 2023 supplementary budget is not for the use of President Bola Tinubu.

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In the footage obtained by The Nation, Bagudu while addressing journalists said: “The mischaracterisation or controversy from the way Navy described the ship has unfortunately generated a lot of controversies. If a budget of 2.2trn, and 95 per cent of it, is okay, then I think President Tinubu should be given a lot of credit.

“President Asiwaju has always told us (his team) that he’s happy with all he has achieved, and personal comfort does not matter to him.

“Before, he was elected president; he stayed in a three-bedroom apartment in Abuja. He lives a modest, humble life. To suggest that something was put in the budget for his comfort is ridiculous.”

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume, has said that the Presidential Yacht which was budgeted for in the 2023 Supplementary budget has already been delivered but not yet paid for.

Ndume during the Arise Television’s Morning show on Friday, November 3, monitored by The Nation gave some clarification concerning the issue bordering on the controversial Presidential yacht said to be worth about N5 billion.

He explained that the presidential yacht had been “signed, delivered, but not paid,” which is what brought about its inclusion in the supplementary budget.

Ndume said: “The Navy provided explanations, especially clarifying that this is not a new item, so to say because I know that the President, by his nature, is not a luxurious person. So, I don’t think we will go for that.

“But anyway, we felt at this time, that 5 billion going for that is inadequate, and in the House of reps, they felt different, and they felt that that should completely be removed and added to the 5 billion that id provided, 5.6, I think, for the student loan, which is one of the critical things in the supplementary budget. And as you rightly said, we are harmonizing on that.

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“The Navy also believes that that is not their area of priority, but the thing is because you have a committed cause, and it has foreign exchange implications. They felt that the commitment has to be met, especially when I understand that the presidential yacht has already been delivered.”

Speaking on the N160m for Land Cruiser SUV for each lawmaker in the National Assembly, the Chief Whip stressed that it is not a new thing for government workers to be buying vehicles for official duties.

He maintained that the price of the vehicles was also affected by the volatility of the naira to dollar rate, adding that the vehicles are needed for the lawmakers.

Ndume said: “I’m hearing that the cost of each one is N160 million, I don’t know about that cost I’m not in the management.

“All I care about is if the vehicles are made available for us to use, that’s it. But I agree that at this time, the costs of products, generally, not only SUV vehicles, is way high.

“But the question is, is it proper to have vehicles for each senator or member of the House of Reps to use? The answer, I believe, is yes.”