Senate President Godswill Akpabio has debunked the news on plans to purchase a new presidential jet for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Akpabio made this denial during a plenary session, Thursday, in Abuja.

He said said, “We have never approved the purchase of a presidential jet. There is no such request before us now. It is mere anticipatory blackmail”, adding that the rumour is all the work of a fifth columnist bent on undermining the parliament.

Recall that there have been speculations that the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence has asked the Federal Government to immediately purchase new airplanes for Tinubu and Shettima.

The committee reports say, allegedly, made the demand according to a report issued after its technical subcommittee conducted a hearing on the status and airworthiness of aircraft in the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF).

“The Committee is of the strong and informed opinion that considering the fragile structure of the Nigerian federation and recognising the dire consequences of any foreseen or unforeseen mishap that may arise as a result of technical/operational inadequacy of the Presidential Air Fleet, it is in the best interest of the country to procure two additional aircraft as recommended,” the purported had said.

Earlier on Tuesday in Maiduguri at a press parley, the Senate President, had described the report as ‘false’ and lacking substance.

He said, “I want to dispel the rumour that you are hearing that the Senate President said he will buy a new plane for the President and his Vice, irrespective of the fact that Nigerians are hungry or whatever.”

He further urged Nigerians to disregard the antics of the propagandists spreading the rumour, adding that he was confident the combination of President Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Shettima will bring prosperity and wealth to Nigerians, if they exercise patience.

With additional reports from Channels News