The Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has claimed that the N298 million bullet proof Range Rover seized by the Nigeria Customs Service actually belongs to the Senate.
An online media had reported that the NCS seized a jeep imported by Saraki.
However, Saraki who failed to react to the story published by online media, quickly issued a statement after a former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, raised point of order on the matter, demanding for investigation.
Saraki, who was unable to preside over the plenary session on Tuesday due to his ongoing trial over false assets declaration by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, through his media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, stated that the allegation raised by Ndume linking him to the importation of vehicle lacks basis as it was outright falsehood.
In a press statement, Olaniyonu said from the facts and documents about the seized vehicle, it is obvious that the Senate President has nothing to do with the importation of any vehicle.
He said: “A supplier was engaged by the Senate to supply a vehicle. While transferring the vehicle between Lagos and Abuja, it was impounded by the Customs. We believe that is an issue between the supplier and the Customs because the Senate has not taken delivery. So, why is somebody trying to drag in the name of Saraki into the issue.
“The documents on the vehicle are there for the general public to view and make their conclusions. Now, that the matter has been referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, all the facts will be out.”
Although Saraki in the statement said Ndume was trying to link him with the vehicle issue, Ndume only demanded for investigation into the matter so as to clear air on the allegation.