Buhari’s purchase of $462m jets for the military has been condemned as an “impeachable offence” according to Members of the House of Representatives. As without appropriation by the National Assembly the purchase wasn’t approved.
Buhari is buying 12 Tucano aircraft from the US which will arrive in 2020.
The lawmakers were angry when Mr. Yakubu Dogara, read a letter from Buhari, insisting that the purchase was made in “anticipation of approval” by the National Assembly.
Lawmakers felt that whether or not the letter was true is was still a “mere afterthought”, as the expenditure had been done already.
The anger caused a brief scuffle on the floor, which was eventually calmed by Dogara.
On Tuesday the lawmakers finally concluded that the letter should be properly tabled for debate on another day by the House so that it would take a position on the next line of action.
However, Mr. Kingsley Chinda the Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, pointed out the alleged “constitutional breach” by Buhari.
He stated both the 1999 Constitution and other laws in the country did not recognise spending by the President in “anticipation of approval” by the legislature.
Chinda stated, “This matter ($462m) came up last week. Today, Mr. President has admitted that the expenditure has already been incurred.
“We are supposed to be a watchdog, but as it is, we cannot bite. This is an impeachable offence and there is no misconduct that is more serious than this.
“I propose that we commence the impeachment of Mr. President, based on this infraction.”
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