House of Representatives Divided Over Tinubu and Shettima’s Use of Chartered Flights

• Disagreement arises in House of Representatives over Tinubu and Shettima’s use of chartered flights instead of presidential fleet
• Representative Satomi highlights security risk of faulty presidential fleet, emphasizing its importance for national leadership engagements

A disagreement has arisen among members of the House of Representatives regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima’s use of chartered flights instead of aircraft in the presidential fleet.

The issue emerged during discussions on a motion of urgent public importance presented by Representative Ahmed Satomi (APC, Borno). The motion raised concerns over Tinubu and Shettima’s recurrent use of chartered flights due to faults with the aircraft in the presidential fleet.

Representative Satomi emphasized the security risk posed by the presidential fleet’s faulty aircraft, which may compel the President and Vice President to opt for commercial flights. He also highlighted the fleet’s significance in facilitating the daily operations and important national and international engagements of the nation’s leaders.

The House Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), underscored the importance of maintaining a presidential fleet that adequately serves the nation’s leadership needs.

However, the House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers), expressed his view that if the presidential fleet is in good condition, there should be no issue with the President or Vice President flying commercial flights. He referenced the practice of the UK Prime Minister flying British Airways, suggesting that Nigeria should not be an exception, especially in the absence of a national carrier.

In response, Representative Sada Soli Jibia (APC, Katsina) clarified that the flights taken by the British Prime Minister on British Airways are special arrangements.

Chinda countered, stating that British Airways is a commercial entity, not solely at the disposal of UK leaders.

The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, proposed stepping down the motion and assigning the relevant committee to investigate, as it falls within its jurisdiction. Representative Satomi Ahmed withdrew the motion, promising to comply with the House’s directive.

The budget for the Presidential Air Fleet is handled by the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the National Assembly makes substantial appropriations annually for its maintenance.