Top Story

Buhari distances self from defense minister, says no approval for release of $1billion arms procurement

365
Barely a week after Minister  of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, said that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the release of $1 billion for the procurement of security equipment to fight Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, the President on Monday sought to distance himself from the minister.

“Mr. President has not approved the sum for any release of this procurement or application howsoever, said Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senate, Senator Ita Enang.

He explained that the approval given to the Federal Government by the National Economic Council, NEC, to spend $1 billion from ECA was undergoing the normal legislative process before the National Assembly.

Enang said the release of such money could not have been approved by President Buhari as being reported, stressing that the President follows the due process in the running of the affairs of the country.

The legislative aide to the president said, “In response to several issues raised about Security Fund sourced for at source from Excess Crude account to combat Security challenges in the country and the several misreadings attending same, may l state as follows:

“That the said sum has not and cannot be approved for spending by Mr. President.

“In any case, before any Sum is released from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, there must be

A. Appropriation Act
B. Vote of Charge
C. Warrant which is legally predicated on appropriation authorization Sub-head under the Act

“That the Executive is conscious of the  provisions of the Section 80 (3) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution which states:

“No moneys shall be withdrawn from any public fund of the Federation, other than the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation, unless the issue of those moneys has been authorized by an Act of the National Assembly.

“No moneys shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund or any other public fund of the Federation, except in the manner prescribed by the National Assembly

“We are also conscious of the provision of Sections 4 and 5 of the 2017 Appropriation Act (relating to Excess crude Account) and would not take any action in breach thereof.

Governing of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, had distanced himself from the request and subsequently dragged the Federal Government to court over the matter.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Nigeria’s Power Minister Leads Delegation to Japan for Energy Collaboration Talks

By Joycelyn Ellakeche Adah The Minister of Power, Dr. Adebayo Adelabu along...

Gov. Adeleke stands firm, vows to conduct council polls despite AGF’s objections

Despite a directive from Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of...

Nigeria’s Central Bank Holds Interest Rate Steady at 27.50%

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has decided to hold all parameters...

32 years after, Babangida finally admits Abiola won June 12 presidential poll in new memoir

In a shocking admission, Nigeria’s former Head of State, retired General Ibrahim...

Dispute Over Seating Arrangement Creates Tension in Senate, Pits Akpoti-Uduaghan Against Leadership

Tensions flared in the Senate on Thursday as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed...

US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, denies USAID funding of Boko Haram

In a bid to clear its name, the United States has denied...

USAID terrorism financing allegations: Senate summons security chiefs

Amid the swirling controversy surrounding US Congressman Perry Scott’s allegations that the...

Microsoft Invests $1m in Nigeria’s AI Ecosystem, Targets 1 Million Nigerians for Training

In a significant boost to Nigeria’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem, tech giant,...

Pres.Tinubu Pays Tribute to Late Clark, Hailing Him as Courageous Leader

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the passing away of...

Just in: Renowned Nigerian Statesman Edwin Clark Passes Away at 97

Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a prominent Nigerian statesman and leader of the...

FG to US: Adhere to established protocols in deporting 85 Nigerians

By Daniel Okejeme with agency report As the gale of deportation continues...

Angolan President João Lourenço Takes Helm as African Union Chairperson

Angolan President João Lourenço has been elected as the new chairperson of...

Anambra accident: Cement-laden truck crashes into building, leaving five dead, others injured

A tragic accident occurred at the Area Command Bus Stop in Nnewi,...

Just in: Afenifere leader, 96-year-old Ayo Adebanjo exits

Pa Ayo Adebanjo, leader of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, has died...

FG Launches ‘Power Rangers’ to Protect Power Installations

Nigeria’s Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has announced the inauguration of a...

Breaking: National Assembly passes 54.9trn 2025 budget

The National Assembly has approved a record-breaking N54.9 trillion federal government’s budget...

Nigeria Partners Google to Harness AI for Digital Economic Growth

Nigeria is exploring a strategic partnership with Google to advance artificial intelligence...

NNPCL Chief, Kyari, Unveils Strategic Priorities for Africa’s Sustainable Energy Development

Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum...

Five months after cabinet reshuffle: Tinubu orders ministers to render account of stewardship

President Bola Tinubu has directed his ministers to provide an immediate account...

Just in: CBN Introduces New ATM Transaction Fees Effective March 1

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a review of transaction...