According to the Senate, it did not approve the N5 billion allocated in the 2023 supplemental budget for the purchase of a presidential yacht.
On Thursday, rumors circulated that the House of Representatives had added the sailing boat payment to the student loan budget, while the Red Chamber had approved the payment for the boat.
Senate Spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu clarified the Senate’s stance in an interview with The Punch, stating that the Red Chamber did not approve the yacht’s payment.
He remarked that when it came to reallocating the funds allotted for the presidential yacht to be added to the student loan, the Senate likewise supported the House of Representatives.
Adaramodu asserted that the Chairmen of Appropriation in the Senate and the House of Representatives had agreed on moving the yacht allocation to the students’ loan laid before the lawmakers.
He said, “It was an agreement that was signed by both chambers. The fact that the Senate didn’t expressly mention it doesn’t mean that we were not on the same page.
“One chamber cannot singlehandedly sign a supplementary budget, the paper presented at the Senate was the same presented at the House. Both chairmen consolidated their reports and presented them at the plenary.
“As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, I can tell you that we didn’t approve any money for the presidential yacht.”
