The Federal government, on Wednesday, defended President Buhari’s approval of a N1.145 billion donation to Niger Republic for the acquisition of operational vehicles.
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, confirmed the purchase while fielding questions from reporters, shortly after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, on Wednesday.
Following the outrage generated by the measure exposed by a popular news writer, David Hundeyin, on Wednesday, the Minister, argued that even though Nigerians have the right to question the rationale for such donation, President Muhammadu Buhari, who approved the purchase also has the right to make his own assessment on situations and act accordingly.
The document released on Twitter showed that the president approved the release of the fund on the 22nd of February this year.
Ahmed said, “Let me just say that over time, Nigeria has had to support her neighbours, especially, the immediate neighbours to enhance their capacity to secure their countries as it relates to us. This is not the first time that Nigeria had assisted the Niger Republic, Cameroon or Chad.
“The President makes an assessment as to what is required based on the request of their Presidents. Such requests are approved and interventions are provided.
“It is to enhance their capacity to protect their countries, as it relates to security and also to Nigeria.”
She added that “Nigerians have the right to ask questions, but also the President has the responsibility to make an assessment of what is in the best interest of the country and I cannot question the decision myself.
“I have said this is not the first time and that Nigeria as a country has provided intervention to our neighbours. It is in the best interest of Nigeria to do so”
