The Nigerian Senate has reacted to President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval of $1billion for the Armed Forces to purchase arms and military equipment to combat insecurity in the country.

The lawmakers took a swipe at the Presidency, saying the money did not belong to President Buhari and therefore could not be approved without the approval of the National Assembly.

The Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Ben Murray – Bruce (Bayelsa East) told the media on Thursday that the executive arm of government could only recommend and not approve the release of such funds.

“It has not been approved, it is simply the choice of words. The Presidency or the executive cannot spend a single kobo on such a mission unless the National Assembly approves that.

“It is only when the Senate or the National Assembly approves that, that the executive can go ahead and spend the money. The executive can only recommend and not to approve,” Senator Murray-Bruce said.

The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan Ali had on Wednesday announced shortly after the Service Chiefs met with Buhari that the President had approved the release of $1billion to the military to procure arms and military hardware that would be used to combat the nation’s security challenges.