He said:

"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 the Senate Rule Book that guides our conduct and activities, which is why today I am presenting myself to the Committee today.

"I am here in person because I believe that what you are doing will help strengthen this institution.

"The institution must continue to be strengthened to carry out its mandate, rather than strengthening individuals.

"We must find ways to guard the institution and ourselves against those who wish to tarnish the institution and individual's reputation because of 5 minutes of fame - they try to bring anyone else down."

When asked if he had imported the SUV that is the subject of the investigation, the Senate President said:

"I did not import any vehicle. I did not ask anybody to import any vehicle on my behalf."

Speaking on the Customs Import Duty policy, he said:

"We raised the issue on the Customs policy based on the interest if Nigerians. But those who want to fight the Senate for raising the issue of retroactive duty. Urge committee to protect the institution of the Senate so that it is not ridiculed."