According to Amb. Solomon Adodo, National Coordinator of Rising-Up for a United Nigeria (RUN), the recommendation to purchase new presidential jets came from the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence, not Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Adodo clarified this during a live interview on Radio Nigeria Network news in Abuja on Thursday, countering claims that Akpabio advocated for the new aircraft.
Adodo explained that the House Committee made the recommendation following an investigation into the status of the Presidential fleet. Subsequently, the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence ratified the recommendation, determining that new aircraft were essential to prevent a national disaster with implications for national security.
Adodo highlighted the necessity of the purchase, referencing recent tragic incidents involving world leaders due to mechanical faults and adverse weather conditions. He stated, “Contrary to insinuations that the Senate President pushed for the planned purchase of the Presidential jets, it was actually the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence that recommended the purchase after an investigation into the status of the Presidential fleet.
“The Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence only ratified it after conducting its own investigation and agreeing to the necessity of new aircraft to avert a national disaster with national security implications.
“The tragic loss of the President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, in a crash complicated by mechanical faults and bad weather, as well as the loss of the Vice President of Malawi, Saulos Chilima, should concern every well-meaning Nigerian.
“Instead of pointing accusing fingers, we should be united in pushing for the purchase of new aircraft for the Presidential fleet. If there is a need for new aircraft as has been recommended, nobody can blackmail the Senate President into shirking his constitutional duties.”