The Federal government on Wednesday justified the approval of a N1.14 billion donation to the Republic of Niger to aid in the acquisition of some operational vehicles amid speculations.
Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, confirmed the purchase while answering reporters’ questions shortly after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Following the outrage caused by the measure exposed by a popular social media influencer, David Hundeyin, on Wednesday, Mrs. Ahmed argued that while Nigerians have the right to question the rationale for such donation, President Muhammadu Buhari, who approved the purchase, also has the right to make his own assessment of situations and act accordingly.
According to the document released by the media influencer, the president approved the release of the fund on February 22nd of this year.
However, in justifying the funds, Zanaib stated that the President reserved the right to make decisions in the best interests of Nigeria, emphasizing that “this is not the first time the country has provided such interventions to her neighbors.”
“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.
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”.
According to reports, the President approved the sale of approximately ten Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles to the Republic of Niger, but did not specify the reason for such approval.
Source: CRIME CHANNELS
