Tinubu bought refurbished not new jet for presidential fleet – Onanuga

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, clarified that President Bola Tinubu did not acquire a new official jet but a refurbished Airbus A330, belonging to the people of Nigeria.

Onanuga stated this on Channels Television’s “Inside Sources with Laolu Akande.

He said: “It’s not President Tinubu’s plane; it is our property.”

The presidential aide added that the refurbished jet replaces older models, such as the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 purchased during ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.

He argued that the planes are in bad condition and require outrageous maintenance costs.

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Onanuga noted that instead of spending excessively on maintenance, the President sought National Assembly approval for the refurbished jet.

“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.

“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, ” the presidential aide stated.

Despite the Presidency’s defense, many Nigerians and 2023 election contenders have criticized Tinubu’s action, citing the country’s struggles with food inflation and quadrupled energy prices.

The Presidential Air Fleet’s health has been a concern, with incidents like:

– A faulty jet grounding Vice President Kashim Shettima from attending the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit

– The Nigerian Air Force putting a presidential aircraft, Falcon 900B, up for sale in December

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