Saraki has nothing to do with seized Range Rover – Aide

Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, Special Adviser to President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Media and Publicity, said allegations linking Saraki to car seized by Nigerian Customs Service were untrue.

In a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, 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.

The Senate had at plenary on Tuesday directed the Committee on Ethics and Privileges to investigate alleged irregularities on car importation duty levelled against Saraki.

The move to investigate the allegation followed a motion by Sen. Ali Ndume (APC-Borno).

In the motion, Ndume said that the alleged seizure of car belonging to Saraki had made the senate a subject of public ridicule.

He, therefore, urged the upper chamber to investigate the matter.

The committee was given four weeks to submit its report.