The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume, revealed that the presidential yacht deal included in the supplementary budget has already been signed and delivered.
He made this statement during an appearance on Arise TV on Friday.
It is worth noting that the House of Representatives rejected the federal government’s plan to purchase a presidential yacht, which is estimated to cost N5 billion in the supplementary budget.
This decision was met with public outrage from Nigerians who criticized the government for spending on such a luxury item, especially considering the country’s economic situation.
Ndume clarified that the deal has been finalized, and the yacht has been delivered, but payment has not yet been made.
He said, “The deal has been signed and delivered, but not paid, and that’s what brought the inclusion of the amount (N5 billion) in the supplementary budget.”
Nduma Denies Alleg Rift With Akpabio
Meanwhile, Ndume has denied insinuations of a disagreement with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
It should be noted that in October, Akpabio and Ndume had a heated argument on the Senate floor. Ndume raised a point of order during the plenary session to express his dissatisfaction with how Akpabio was handling the affairs of the upper chamber. However, Akpabio dismissed Ndume’s concerns, citing order 54 of the Senate Standing Orders. As a result, Ndume walked out of the session and returned to his office.
Ndume, however, clarified during an interview on the Arise TV programme, Morning Show, that he is older than Akpabio and can offer him advice on Senate matters. He emphasized that disagreements can occur between them, but they will not escalate into a physical altercation. Ndume emphasized that they are colleagues with shared interests.
Ndume said, “I’m older than Akpabio and can advise him on issues of the Senate. I was the DG campaign of Akpabio, so by virtue of my position, I was his number one supporter and marketer to become the Senate President.
“We can disagree to agree, but not to fight. Myself and Akpabio are colleagues, we have the same interest.”
