Tobias Sylvester
The Federal Government has confirmed that President Muhammadu Buhari approved N1.4 billion for the purchase of vehicles for the Niger Republic Government.
Buhari Buy Cars For Niger Republic Government
KanyiDaily recalls that Nigerian journalist, David Hundeyin had published a document showing how President Buhari approved N1,145,000,000 for the purchase of 10 Toyota Land Cruiser V8 vehicles, for government officials in Niger Republic.
According to the documents, Buhari through the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, awarded the contract to KAURA MOTORS NIG. LIMITED on February 25, 2022.
Reacting to the outrage generated by the action, Mrs. Ahmed argued that even though Nigerians have the right to question the rationale for such donation, Buhari, who approved the purchase, also had the right to make his own assessment on situations and act accordingly.
The minister, who spoke on Wednesday after the federal executive council (FEC) meeting presided over by Buhari in Abuja, said Nigeria has a policy of assisting its neighbouring countries.
She said, “Let me just say that overtime, 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 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.”
“Nigerians have the rights 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 that Nigeria as a country has provided an intervention to our neighbours. It is in the best interest of Nigeria to do so.”
KanyiDaily recalls that in 2020, President Buhari had also approved a contract of $1.96 billion for the construction of a railway from Kano to Niger Republic.
When questioned about the project, Buhari said his decision to build rail lines from Kano to Niger was to allow his family members easily have access to Nigeria.
