The Muhammadu Buhari led federal government on Wednesday confirmed and justified the approval of a N1.14 billion donation to the government of the Republic of Niger to aid in the acquisition of some operational vehicles, amid growing speculation and criticism that greeted the report.
Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed confirmed the purchase while fielding questions from newsmen, shortly after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Buhari, in Abuja.
metrowatchxtra understands that the measure wss exposed by a popular social media personality, David Hundeyin, on Tuesday night.
However, the Minister argued that even though Nigerians have the right to question the rationale for such donation, President Buhari, who approved the purchase also has the right to make his own assessment on situations and act accordingly.
The document released by the media influencer showed that the president approved the release of the fund on the 22nd of February this year.
The contract to supply the 10 units of Toyota Land Cruisers was awarded to IFO Kaura Motors Nig. Limited.
But justifying the funds, Zanaib noted that the President reserved the right to take decisions in the interest of Nigeria, insisting that “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.
“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”.
