Amid ASUU Strike, FG Defends Purchase of N1.4 Billion Worth of Vehicle to Niger Republic

The Federal Government has confirmed and defended the purchase of vehicles worth N1.4 billion for the Niger Republic stating that it was to help the country tackle insecurity.

The Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed confirmed this on Wednesday, explaining that providing intervention to the neighbouring Niger Republic is not new and it is the prerogative of President Muhammadu Buhari who approved the purchase.

According to her, President Buhari, whose actions she cannot question, has the right to make his own assessment of situations and give directives accordingly.

She added that the financial support, which is primarily to enhance capacity to protect their territory, based on a request by the Nigerien Government is also in the best interest of the country.

The minister, who was speaking after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by the President, responded to questions regarding documents released by investigative journalist David Hundeyin on Tuesday evening which showed that the president approved the release of the funds on February 22, 2022, for the Niger Republic.

Recall that ASUU has been on strike due to the inability of the Federal Government to sign the ‘Memorandum of Agreement was signed so that between 2009 and 2011 each federal university would get N1.5trn annually, while state-owned universities will receive N3.6m annually per student.

A Memorandum of Understanding agreed in 2013 dwelled on pretty much the same issues of condition of service, funding, university autonomy, academic freedom and administrative matters.’

Source: Channels