By Teddy Nwanunobi
Abuja (Sundiata Post) — Contrary to reports that the Senate paid the sum of N298 million for the controversial vehicle, the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, on Tuesday, disclosed that “the price of that vehicle is N62.5 million, and not N298 million”.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, made the disclosure in a statement.
Abdullahi explained that the real price of the vehicle, as at the time it was imported in 2015, was $298,000.
He added that the price then, at the prevailing rate of N165 to a dollar, was about N49,170.
“Our attention has been drawn to the various false and mischievous reports in the media about the price of the vehicle, which the Senate was said to have bought as part of its convoy, but was later abandoned when it got impounded by the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) over controversy surrounding import duty payment.
“The correct price of the vehicle, when it was imported in 2015, is $298,000, which, at the prevailing rate of N165 to a dollar, is about N49,170.
“The Senate paid N62.5 million for the vehicle in November 2015.
“This is contrary to the mischief by those, who decided to turn the $298,000 to N298 million as the price of the vehicle.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the price of that vehicle is N62.5 million, and not N298 million.
“The Senate will appreciate it, if all reports relating to the legislative institution, particularly on this vehicle matter, are reported with accuracy and all facts put in proper perspective.
“We urge journalists to avoid sensationalism.
“The Senate is a responsible institution, and those, who believe that when they have issues to explain before it, the next thing to do is to resort to falsehood, blackmail, muck-raking and mud-slinging, should know that they are just overheating the polity, and undermining our democratic institution.
“Finally, the Senate wish to reiterate our total commitment to upholding the rule of law and to work for Nigerians, in accordance with our constitution,” Abdullahi stated.