As the strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU enters the sixth month, the President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime has confirmed that it has purchased vehicles worth N1.4 billion for Niger Republic.
It said the move was to help Niger tackle insecurity.
The disclosure follows a revelation by investigative journalist, David Hundeyin that the ministry of finance approved the funds for Niger Republic.
The Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed gave the confirmation on Wednesday, explaining that providing intervention to the neighboring Niger Republic is not new and it is the prerogative of President Muhammadu Buhari who approved the purchase.
She said that President Buhari, whose actions she cannot question, has the right to make his own assessment of situations and give directives accordingly, Channels TV reports.
She added that the financial support, which is primarily for the purpose of enhancing 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 on social media which showed that the president approved the release of the funds on February 22, 2022, for the Niger Republic.
