1.4BILLION NIGER REPUBLIC SUPPORT: SERAP URGES BUHARI TO REVERT IT TO MEET ASUU’S DEMANDS

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to move for a refund of the N1.4billion given to Niger Republic for the purchase of official vehicles.

SERAP made the demand on its verified Twitter handle yesterday.

It tweeted that, “The Buhari administration must immediately ask Niger Republic authorities to refund the N1.4 billion approved for them to buy vehicles, and use the money to offset the funding for ASUU, so those poor children can go back to school”. 

SERAP’s  position on the fund came on the heels of the confirmation by the

minister of finance, Zainab Ahmed yesterday at the federal executive council meeting that the federal government approved N1.4billion for the “supply of 10 Toyota Land Cruiser V8 vehicles to the Republic of Niger”.

She said that Nigeria has always been providing such interventions to neighbouring countries; Chad, Cameroon, and many others saying that president Buhari has the right to take decisions in the interest of the country and its citizens.

Ahmed explained that the President makes an assessment as to what is required based on the request of the other country’s 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 maintained 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” .