The Senate yesterday, decided to investigate the allegation that an armoured Range Rover car said to worth N298m and seized by the Nigeria Customs Service belongs to the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki.
The move was based on a point of order raised by former Majority Leader of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume, who also called on the upper chamber of the National Assembly to investigate the certificate scandal involving Senator Dino Melaye.
Recall that, an online news portal, Sahara Reporters, which made the allegation in a report published on March 18, 2017, said the seizure of the Sports Utility Vehicle, allegedly belonging to Saraki, was the reason the Senate was moving against the Comptroller General of Customs; Col. Hammed Ali (retd.).
The medium reported that the car was intercepted and impounded on January 11, 2017, by the service for allegedly having fake documents.
He said, “One has to do with the distinguished Senator Bukola Saraki, the Senate President, and it was reported in a paper; I have it here. With your permission, I will want to, after making presentation, lay it down. It says that, ‘Senate on Vengeance After Nigeria Customs seized Senator Saraki’s bullet-proof Range Rover Over Fake Documents.’
“My colleagues that are following events, particularly online, have seen, heard or read the train of abuses on this Senate and the misconception of the fact that we invited the Customs CG based on a very unpopular policy that affects the people we represent. But now, we are faced with this and the (Senate) President has been found in this National Assembly.
The Senate then directed the Committee on Ethics and Privileges to investigate the alleged irregularities.
The committee was given four weeks to submit its report.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to President of the Senate on Media and Publicity; Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, said allegations linking Saraki to car seized by Nigerian Customs Service were untrue.
In a statement in Abuja yesterday, Olaniyonu said the allegation of importation of the vehicle by Saraki “lacked basis and was an outright falsehood.
“From the facts and documents about the seized vehicle, it is obvious that the President of the Senate has nothing to do with the importation of any vehicle.
“A supplier was engaged by the Senate to supply a vehicle and while transferring the vehicle between Lagos and Abuja, it was impounded by Customs.
“We believe that is an issue between the supplier and the Customs because the Senate has not taken delivery.
“So, why is somebody trying to drag the name of Saraki into the issue?
“The documents on the vehicle are there for the general public to view and make their conclusions.
“Now that the matter has been referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, all the facts will be out”, Olaniyonu stated.
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