In a recent development, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has firmly denied reports circulating online that they have plans to purchase a presidential yacht worth N5 billion. This information follows earlier reports suggesting that the federal government was planning to allocate N5 billion for the purchase of a presidential yacht in the 2023 Supplementary Budget, with the proposed sum falling under the capital expenditure of the Nigerian Navy’s budget.
According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temiope Ajayi, President Tinubu neither requested a presidential yacht nor deemed it necessary, especially given the current state of the nation’s economy. The statement clarified that the request for a yacht was part of the Navy’s budget, and it is assumed that there are operational reasons behind the request.
Ajayi expressed concern over the manner in which certain individuals, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and sections of the media selectively pick specific line items from the budget for sensational headlines while overlooking the broader context. This practice, he noted, often confuses and misinforms the public.
“The public that should benefit from good journalism, which should primarily educate and adequately inform, is left confused and miseducated due to the mischaracterization of issues and misrepresentation of facts,” he stated.
The statement further highlighted two key issues in the 2023 supplementary budget that have been trending on social media: the provision for a presidential yacht in the supplementary budget by the Navy and an allocation of over N6 billion for vehicles to the State House.
Ajayi emphasized the need for the budget office to explain to the public why such expenditures are being included at this time, particularly in light of the country’s economic challenges. He also pointed out that the simplification of some line items by civil servants responsible for budget preparation has been a recurring issue, which can lead to public confusion and controversy.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President called for a more responsible approach to journalism, emphasizing that it should contribute to public enlightenment rather than creating an atmosphere of siege. He urged the media to provide accurate context when reporting on budgetary provisions and not reduce all State House budget items to the President and Vice President.
