– The Nigerian Senate has admitted to buying a bullet-proof SUV for N62.5 million
– The Senate clarified that the media was putting out the wrong figures
– The committee also implored all journalists to seek facts before publishing
Bukola Saraki the Senate president has been absolved of wrongdoing in the purchase of the SUV
On Tuesday, March 28, the Nigerian Senate admitted that it had bought a bullet proof Range Rover Sports Utility Vehicle ( SUV ) as reported in the news.
According to Vanguard, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the chairman of the Senate committee on media and publicity in an interview with journalists in Abuja revealed that the SUV was bought at a price different from that being reported by the media.
Senator Abdullahi says the SUV was bought for $298,000 (N49.1 million) and not N298, million as was being reported in the media.
READ ALSO: Senate questions Saraki over seized SUV
Explaining that in 2015 the vehicle was bought for $298 at an exchange rate of N165 to a dollar. Abdullahi said: “Our attention has been drawn to the various false and mischievous reports in the media about the price of the vehicle which the Senate was said to have bought as part of its convoy but was later abandoned when it got impounded by the Customs over controversy surrounding import duty payment.
“The correct price of the vehicle when it was imported in 2015 is $298,000 which at the prevailing rate of N165 to a dollar is about N49, 170.
“The Senate paid N62.5m for the vehicle in November 2015. This is contrary to the mischief by those who decided to turn the $298,000 to N298 million as the price of the vehicle.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the price the Senate paid for that vehicle is N62.5m and not N298 million.
“The Senate will appreciate it if all reports relating to the legislative institution, particularly on this vehicle matter, are reported with accuracy and all facts put in proper perspective.
“We urge journalists to avoid sensationalism. The Senate is a responsible institution and those who believe that when they have issues to explain before it, the next thing to do is to resort to falsehood, blackmail, muck-raking and mud-slinging, should know that they are just overheating the polity and undermining our democratic institution.
READ ALSO: Senate SUV scandal: Automobile marketer reveals truth about Saraki’s involvement
“Finally, the Senate wish to reiterate our total commitment to upholding the rule of law and to work for Nigerians, in accordance with our constitution.”
Below are some pictures of the type of SUV in question:
The back view of a Range Rover Sports Utility Vehicle ( SUV ) 2016 model
The Range Rover Sports Utility Vehicle ( SUV ) 2016 model is one the most expensive SUVs
Meanwhile, Bukola Saraki at an investigative hearing by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, the importer of the vehicle absolved Saraki of any complicity in the importation.
ZENITHBLOG.com gathered that the vehicle was impounded by officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in January after discovering that the documents used in clearing it were allegedly forged.
In Lagos, ZENITHBLOG.com TV recently spoke to residents of Otodo Gbame. Watch the video below:
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