Tinubu Did Not Travel to France in New Presidential Jet 'To Buga Anybody' -Bayo Onanuga Explains

By: Olufemi Orunsola 

Amid confirmed reports and reactions to President Bola Tinubu's trip to France earlier this week in a new Presidential Jet instead of using one of the old Nigerian presidential jets, Special Adviser to the President has explained that the action was not intended as a bravado or 'To Buga Anybody'

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA OTN News reports that the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga has confirmed that although President Tinubu traveled to France via the new presidential jet, Airbus A330, noting that the new Airbus, which replaces the Boeing B737-700 (BBJ) was not meant to make any statement of bravado or 'To Buga Anybody".

Onanuga further clarified that the replaced Presidential Jet was bought under the Presidency of President Olusegun Obasanjo some 19 years ago.

According to him, the new plane was bought far below the market price, saves Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly.

Onanuga further revealed that the recommendation to replace the B737-700(BBJ) followed an investigative hearing by Nigeria’s Parliament that questioned the plane’s safety record and cost efficiency, especially after it malfunctioned during a trip to Saudi Arabia.

"The Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee recommended replacing the ageing aircraft in the Presidential fleet to reduce downtime and operational expenses", he said.

However, this explanation by the Presidential aide does not seem to been enough justification for the purchase of the new Presidential Jet as far as many Nigerian Netizens are concerned.

OTN News reports that many Netizens in the country have reacted to the purchase of a new Presidential Jet with criticisms, stating that the action at this time, when Nigeria already parades three Presidential Jets is a condemnable move, especially when one considers the worsening poverty level and hunger in the land.

A netizen on X got sarcastic by praising the Presidency for the purchase of the new presidential jet saying "This is one of the reasons I remain proud of my country Nigeria."

Another netizen said "Naija no dey carry last for Buga shows to the world"(Meaning that the Presidency was simply showing off the wealth of Nigerian political class).