Senate President Bukola Saraki has denied ownership of a seized armoured-SUV allegedly belonging to him.
While appearing before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions on Monday, Saraki denied the allegations attributing ownership of the vehicle to him.
“Today is another great day in the history of our growing democracy, as I present myself before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions on allegation of non Payment of customs duty on an Official Vehicle by Senate.
“As the President of the 8th Senate and Senator from Kwara Central, I am proud of the Senate as an institution and its Constitutional role to represent the interests of the Nigerian people.
“Further, I am proud to honor and respect the Senate Rule Book that guides our conduct and activities, which is why today I am presenting myself before the Nigerian Senate Committee.
“We must continue to strenghten all our Institutions so that they can carry out their mandates. This is preferable and beneficial than strengthening individuals.
“We must find ways to guard the institution and ourselves against those who wish to diminish or rubbish institutional and individual’s reputation because of 5 minutes of fame. They try to bring everyone else down while grandstanding.
“I did not import any vehicle, I did not ask anybody to act on my behalf. The vehicle is not my personal car,” he said.
There were reports in the media alleging that an armoured-SUV seized by the Nigerian Customs Service for non-payment of duties belonged to the Senate President.