The Senate on Wednesday disclosed that it would investigate the purchase of the N5 billion presidential yacht and the circumstances revolving around it.
The Senate Committee on Nigerian Navy, chaired by the Senator representing the All Progressives Congress, Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, made the resolution.
The media aide to the Ogun east Senator, Steve Oliyide, who made this known in a Statement added that Nigerians have widely reacted to the report on the purchase of the yacht, accusing the Presidency of insensitivity.
As a result, the committee decided to look into the problems and circumstances surrounding the contentious yacht within a week.
“The controversy surrounding the possible purchase of the yacht has garnered significant attention since it was initially revealed in the media,” Daniel stated.
“Many Nigerians have expressed their worries and grievances, with a considerable portion voicing their indignation over how a luxury item like this could possibly make it into the Supplementary Budget.
We have determined that a comprehensive investigation is necessary in light of the contradictory and conflicting reports that have been making the rounds in the media regarding the purchase of the yacht.
“The public’s accurate and thorough understanding of the situation is the main goal, along with establishing the facts and eliminating any doubts.
“Many Nigerians believe that the position of the Senate committee in this regard signifies a significant step towards transparency and accountability within the government by the Senate”.
While emphasising the need for improved funding for the Nigerian Navy to perform their critical roles in the nation’s economic and security sector, the committee resolved to visit all naval facilities across the country with a view to prioritising training and welfare of naval personnel and veterans.
The committee further resolved to promote the modernisation of the Nigerian Navy’s fleet, enhance its operational capabilities and push for naval research and development agencies.
Recall that in the 2023 supplementary budget, the Federal Government had proposed allocating N5.095 billion for the purchase of a presidential yacht through the Nigeria Navy’s capital expenditure program.
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