The Federal Government has come clean on their decision to donate N1.14bn worth of luxury cars to Niger Republic.
Recall that Switch Nigeria had documented how N1, 145, 000,000.00 was silently transfered from the treasury single account to a Fidelity Bank account number and approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The move generated quite an outrage from Nigerians who expressed disappointment in a leadership that prefers to help other nations when her citizens are experiencing all sorts of hardship.
Some expressed concerns over Buhari’s leadership abilities, especially as his campaign slogan in 2015 was transparency.
According to Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed who spoke to journalists after the Federal Executive meeting on Wednesday, Nigerians have the right to know how State funds are being spent.
She went ahead to confirm the purchase of said vehicles, adding that the president has the right to make his own assessment on situations and act accordingly.
She said, “this was not the first time the country is providing such interventions to her neighbours.
“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.
“It is to enhance their capacity to protect their countries, as it relates to security and also to Nigeria.
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.
