Opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives suggested that President Bola Tinubu should consider using commercial flights if presidential planes are unavailable due to recent breakdowns.
During a debate on the breakdown of presidential flights, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda and Minority Whip Ali Isa proposed that Tinubu utilize commercial flights.
The debate ensued following a motion of urgent public importance raised by Ahmad Satomi, a lawmaker from Borno State, over the reported breakdown of the plane used by Tinubu for a recent foreign visit. Tinubu reportedly resorted to a chartered commercial flight from the Netherlands to Saudi Arabia.
Expressing concerns over security implications of using commercial chartered flights, Satomi called for the summoning of the National Security Adviser and the Commandant of the Presidential Fleet.
In response, PDP lawmaker Ali Isa from Gombe State advocated for public officials, including the President, to utilize commercial flights. His remarks received applause from the minority bench.
Minority Leader Chinda echoed Ali’s sentiments, emphasizing that there’s nothing wrong with Tinubu opting for commercial flights. He also highlighted the need for maintenance of the Presidential Fleet and suggested consideration of new presidential planes in the upcoming budget.
Considering the House’s mood, Deputy Speaker, who presided over the session, ruled to step down the motion and assigned the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence to investigate the matter.
