SAN FRANCICO, April 26, (THEWILL) – Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Thursday, read a letter from President Muhammadu Buhari seeking the inclusion of the $496 million Tucano Aircraft in the yet-to-be-passed 2018 budget.
THEWILL recalls that the President has already given approval for the funds from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) the purchase of Super Tucano Aircraft from the United States Government.
This led to outrage by lawmakers as some called for the President’s impeachment while the opposition Peoples Democratic Party also spoke against the action.
“I wish to draw the attention of the Senate to the ongoing security emergencies in the country,” the letter read.”
“These challenges were discussed with the State Governors and subsequently at the meeting of the National Economic Council on 14th December 2017 where the resolution was passed, with the council approving that up to $1billion may be released and utilized from the Excess Crude Account to address the situation.
“Subsequent before this approval, we have prepared a comprehensive schedule of all the requirements for each of the security services for presentation to the National Assembly for consideration.
“It will be recalled that for a number of years, Nigeria has been in discussions with the United States government for the purchase of Super Tucano aircraft under a direct-government-to-government arrangement.
“Recently, approval was granted by the United States Government but with a deadline, within which part payment must be made otherwise the contract relapses.
“In the expectation that the National Assembly will have no objection to the purchase of these highly specialized aircraft, which is critical to National Security, I granted anticipatory approval for the release of $496,374,470.
“This was paid directly to the Treasury of the United States government.
“I am therefore writing seeking approval of the Senate for the sum of $496,374,470 (equivalent to N151, 394, 421,035) to be included in the 2018 Appropriation Bill which the National Assembly is currently finalizing.
“The balance for the requirement for critical operational equipment is still being collated from the different security services and will be presented in the form of a supplementary appropriation Bill in due cause.
“Honourable Minister for Defense & other appropriate officers will be available to provide further details as may be required.
“While thanking the Distinguished Senate for the usual cooperation, please accept Mr. President the assurances of my highest regards.”
Saraki however refused debate on the letter saying it is simply a communication and it will be referred to relevant committees before debates can ensue.
