The House of Representatives has described the acquisition of the N5 billion presidential yacht as unconstitutional, raising salient questions about it.
The House spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jr., noted on Saturday that the yacht was purchased without approval from the National Assembly.
In response to Chronicle NG, he noted that the House position is clear.
“The concept of anticipatory approval is unknown to Nigeria’s constitutional jurisprudence,” he said.
Adding that, “Sections 80–83 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) are clear about the fact that the only authorising entity for government expenditure is the National Assembly.
“Any procurement made without legislative authorization is unconstitutional, null and void, and goes against the spirit and letter of our Constitution.
“I can confirm that the Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, who held the same position in the previous assembly, is not aware of this alleged procurement and has promised to look into it,” he added.