Saraki reacts to Buhari’s comment

There has been a lot of reactions, following President Buhari’s comment during his maiden media chat, that Senators are planning to spend N47.5b on cars.

The Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, on his Twitter page, said the Senate is not planning to spend any amount like that on cars.

This is coming on the heels of a statement released by the spokesperson of the Senate, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, saying “Since the claim in an online medium that we are planning to purchase vehicles, we have not taken any further action on the issue. We are surprised that a proposed purchase became a subject of controversy and several figures that are far from our projections have been bandied around.”

“This is a responsible and responsive National Assembly. We really need project for vehicles to facilitate our work We will however follow due process when we choose to take decisions on the purchase. We will also take into consideration the views, feelings and mood of the nation in taking the decisions. We will not be profligate or extravagant when what is apparently needed in our country is moderate and frugal spending."

“We however call on all Nigerians to be patient with us, and not jump the gun or rush into conclusions, particularly when no decision has been taken. The way the issue is being presented is as if we have ordered the car or have paid for it,” Abdullahi said.

Reports say some Senators are not happy with Mr. President over his comment about their plan to purchase cars for oversight functions.

They also said they will resist any attempt by the executive to stop the purchase of the vehicles.