The Senate Committee on Navy has resolved to investigate the circumstances surrounding the purported procurement of a controversial N5 billion yacht by the Nigerian Navy.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Gbenga Daniel, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday after a meeting by his committee and other critical stakeholders.
Daniel, who is also a former governor of Ogun State, said the investigative panel is expected to give their report within one week.
According to him, the constitution of the committee was imperative in view of the widespread controversy generated by the purchase of the yacht by the Nigerian Navy.
Senator Daniel, however, told newsmen that the Senate Committee had embarked on the process of unraveling the circumstances surrounding the purchase of the equipment.
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He said, “Following the controversy generated by the purported procurement of the controversial yacht, the Senate has resolved to constitute a panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the vessel.
“The investigative panel is expected to report its findings within the next week.
“The investigation is imperative and inevitable in view of the claims and counter-claims over the issue. From the preliminary facts available, the yacht was ordered by the previous administration and delivered, though not yet paid for. The procurement without the National Assembly’ approval has equally raised eyebrows in certain quarters.
“However, as part of our parliamentary oversight, the Senate will look into the issues and quiz all the parties involved with a view to preventing reoccurrence in our governance system.”
Meanwhile the Senate Committee is also expected to begin a tour of naval facilities nationwide, while emphasising the need for improved funding for the Nigerian Navy to be able to perform their critical role in the nation’s security and economic sectors.
The Committee further expressed commitment towards improving the welfare of naval personnel and veterans; promoting the modernization of the Nigerian Navy’s fleet to enhance their operational capabilities and pushing for naval research and development agency.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple's Bite International Magazine.