Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga has clarified that President Bola Tinubu did not acquire a new official jet, but rather a refurbished one, contrary to popular belief.
Onanuga emphasized that the aircraft is not the President’s personal property but belongs to the nation, highlighting its role as a national asset.
Speaking on Inside Sources, a socio-economic programme on Channels Television hosted by Laolu Akande, Onanuga explained that several aircraft in Nigeria’s presidential fleet, including a 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 acquired during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, are in deteriorating condition and entail high maintenance costs.
In response, the President sought the National Assembly’s approval for a refurbished jet, which, according to Onanuga, is in better condition and will reduce Nigeria’s maintenance expenses.
“The President did not buy a new jet; what he has is a refurbished jet – it has been used before but is a much newer model than the one previously utilized by President Buhari,” Onanuga noted, contrasting the newly acquired Airbus A330 with older models in the fleet.
He added that the previous jet, a two-decade-old purchase from Obasanjo's administration, had previously encountered mechanical issues during trips abroad, such as an incident in Saudi Arabia that required the President to switch to a chartered jet to continue to the Netherlands.
Onanuga asserted that the newly acquired aircraft will serve future administrations as well, noting that it is ultimately intended for the safety and benefit of Nigeria's leaders and the country at large.
Similarly, Onanuga refuted claims circulating on social media that portray President Bola Tinubu as indifferent to the challenges facing Nigerians. Onanuga emphasized that President Tinubu “feels the pain of Nigerians” and has assured the public that “better days are nearer than before.”
While Speaking during an interview programme on Channels Television's Sunday Politics, Onanuga dismissed the derogatory name“T-Pain,” a term he described as “mischievously” coined by certain social media users to characterize the President. He clarified that Tinubu's administration is committed to “repairing the economy,” not inflicting further hardships on the populace.
“The President is aware that the citizens are going through some difficulties,” Onanuga stated, though he added that Tinubu is unaware of this particular social media label. “The President does not read what is on social media,” he noted, suggesting that the nickname is inconsequential.
Onanuga reiterated, “Some people out of mischief just say somebody is a T-Pain. He [Tinubu] is not T-Pain.” He assured Nigerians that Tinubu has consistently expressed empathy for their struggles and is working diligently to alleviate their burdens. “The President has never shied away from telling Nigerians that he feels their pain and he is working very hard to make sure that he gives them some relief so that things will get better and this country will get more prosperity,” Onanuga added.
