In a time when every government choice is closely examined for its impact on the public, discussions about acquiring official assets frequently sparks more profound societal issues.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga stated that the Federal Government did not purchase a new official jet for President Bola Tinubu, despite claims circulating on social media.
Refurbished Jet Details
In an interview on Sunday, Onanuga clarified that the government acquired a refurbished jet for the president. He emphasised that this plane belongs to the nation.
Onanuga pointed out that many jets in the presidential fleet, purchased under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, are in poor condition.
He highlighted that the maintenance costs for these aircraft are exorbitant.
Instead of spending vast sums on maintaining the old jets, the President sought approval from the National Assembly to acquire a refurbished aircraft that is still in good condition.
This decision aimed to save Nigeria significant maintenance costs.
Presidential Jet Comparison
He explained: “The president did not buy a new jet; what he has is a refurbished jet.
“It has been used by somebody else before he got it, but it is a much newer model than the one President Buhari used.
“The one President Buhari used was bought by President Obasanjo some 20 years ago.”
Onanuga recounted a specific incident: “There was a time when the President went to Saudi Arabia, and that plane developed some problems.
“The President had to leave with a chartered jet to the Netherlands.
“It’s not President Tinubu’s plane. It belongs to the people of Nigeria. It is our property.”
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He urged Nigerians to prioritise the President’s safety.
The newly acquired jet, he noted, is the property of Nigeria and would also benefit Tinubu’s successor.
Approval from National Security Adviser
Furthermore, Onanuga mentioned that National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu approved the purchase of the refurbished plane, citing the high maintenance costs associated with the old aircraft.
“People should try to prioritize the safety of the president.
“I’m not sure anybody wishes our president to go and crash in the air.
“We want his safety so that he can hand over to whoever wants to take over from him,” he said.
While the Presidency continues to defend Tinubu’s acquisition of the refurbished Airbus A330, many Nigerians and some 2023 presidential candidates have criticised the move.
Critics argue that the President is out of touch with the struggles of ordinary Nigerians, who are grappling with unprecedented food inflation and skyrocketing energy prices over the past year.