The Senate will approve a new presidential jet if President Bola Tinubu requests it, according to Akpabio.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated that the Senate would consider approving the purchase of a new presidential jet if President Tinubu made a request.

Akpabio speaking during plenary on Thursday, June 27, 2024, hinted that no formal request had been made to the Senate for the approval of a new presidential jet, but assured that the Senate's priority is to benefit the Nigerian people and improve their living standards.

He addressed concerns about the condition of the presidential fleet, stating that if repairs were needed for the President's vehicle or plane, the Senate would approve the necessary funds.

Akpabio dismissed allegations of anticipated blackmail from media sources and reaffirmed the Senate's responsibility to thoroughly assess any future requests related to the presidential fleet for the benefit of the country's governance.

He also mentioned incidents involving defective aircraft that resulted in tragic consequences, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety and functionality of the presidential fleet.

Akpabio concluded by reiterating the Senate's commitment to making decisions based on the best interests of the Nigerian people and the responsible governance of the country.

He said, "We care about the president and we care about the Nigerian people. We will approve things that will benefit the Nigerian people.

“We will approve things that would improve the living standard of the people. At the same time, we will also take cognizance of the duties of the President.

“If his vehicle is bad, we will repair the vehicle. If his plane is bad, we will approve money for the repair of the plane. So that is not an issue. There is nothing before us. I don’t think you should worry about it.”

“Somebody called me from BBC; that what I said in Senator Mongunu’s house was false and should be disregarded, that I was now saying that I will not approve.

“That is what you can call anticipated blackmail. The professors of the story know very well that maybe there is a problem with the presidential fleet and that where they will go will be the parliament.

“And so, they are now trying to do anticipated blackmail to tell us if they bring it, do not look into it.

“So, I think that we should ignore them because of what we are doing here. I read the president’s correspondence to us.

“Nothing was touching on a plane or no plane. But I can tell you that when you hear stories such as the death of the vice president of Malawi as a result of a defective plane.

“And then you hear students such as the death of the president of Iran as a result of defective aircraft.

“We shouldn’t ever sit and allow such to be at the ocean. It wouldn’t be. The Senate is very responsible. The National Assembly is very responsible. We will look into issues that will benefit the governance of the country.”

“Irrespective of anticipatory blackmail, because those people know very well that something like that might come in the future. And if it’s a necessity, the Senate will look into it. But there is nothing like that before us now.”