Frank addressed Akpabio’s recent remarks supporting President Bola Tinubu’s proposal to buy a new presidential jet valued at billions of Naira in a statement that was made public on Monday, July 1.
Frank emphasized the parliament’s vital role in supplying strong checks and balances on the government, a structure that is essential to a functioning democracy.
He attacked Akpabio for supporting the executive branch’s spending choices, especially in light of the dire financial difficulties that taxpayers are currently experiencing.
Frank stated, “Despite his audacity and effrontery in subverting legislative procedures, his language occasionally savagely attacks our democracy, disparages Nigerians as public servants in a position of trust, and makes fun of the National Assembly’s sacred chambers.”
“Akpabio is free to decide to serve as President Bola Tinubu’s errand boy, praise singer, and cheerleader, but he cannot turn the National Assembly into a body that justifies and extends advance permissions for requests that the executive branch has not yet made.
“Akpabio needs to learn to keep his actions within the bounds of his constitutional role. He should ensure that money bills are carefully examined before the Senate in order to prevent waste and profligacy. He should also avoid speaking down to Nigerians and taxpayers who own the office he currently holds.”
Frank emphasized that an aircraft’s age has no intrinsic bearing on its airworthiness or safety.
Regardless of age, he continued, all aircraft receive routine maintenance and inspections to guarantee safe operation.
Frank questioned why Akpabio didn’t look into how the ₦214 billion was spent or offer to sell some helicopters or airplanes to help pay for the acquisition of new ones. Akpabio, on the other hand, awaited the executive’s considerable proposal for prompt approval.
“Well, the question is, what happened to the approximately ₦214 billion that was set aside in annual budgets for the Presidential Fleet’s maintenance from 1999 until now?” posed the inquiry.
