Senator Ali Ndume, has revealed that the presidential yacht deal included in the supplementary budget has already been signed and delivered.
The lawmaker stated this during his appearance on Arise TV on Friday.
Raye24reporters reports that the House of Representatives rejected the federal government’s plan to buy a presidential yacht, which is expected to cost N5 billion in the supplementary budget.
The presidential yacht budget was met with public outrage from Nigerians who tagged the government insensitive for splurging on such a luxury item considering the economic situation in the country.
Speaking on the situation, Ndume explained that the deal has been signed and delivered but not yet paid for
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.”
Meanwhile, Ndume, has denied reports of a rift with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Raye24reporters recalls that in October, Akpabio and Ndume were involved in a shouting match on the floor of the Senate.
Ndume, during the plenary, had raised a point of order in protest against how Akpabio was handling the affairs of the upper chamber.
The Senate Chief Whip was reported to have cited order 54 of the Senate Standing Orders and raised a point of order, but the Senate President ruled him out of order.
After he was ruled out of order, the Borno lawmaker staged a walkout and returned to his office.
However, while featuring on the Arise TV programme, Morning Show on Friday, Ndume said he is older than Akpabio and can advise him on issues concerning the Senate.
He noted that disagreement could happen between them but would not degenerate into a fight, adding they are colleagues and have the same 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.”
