Presidency Blows Hot, Reveals Why Acting President, Osibanjo Is Banned From Flying The Presidential Jet, Untill Further Notice.
The Presidency has revealed that the Presidential aircraft parked in London, will remain there until President Muhammadu Buhari recuperates.
The parking of the Presidential jet in London, will deprive Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, from using the aircraft, Gistlover gathered.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, made this disclosure in a statement, on Thursday.
He added that, the Presidential aircraft was at the service of Buhari, who has been in the United Kingdom for medical treatment, since May 7.
He stated: “It is important to state that for reasons of protocol, national security, diplomacy, and prestige, there is no World Leader who travels abroad and is left without plans for immediate return or possible evacuation.
“From an operational point of view, this country’s Armed Forces as represented by the Nigeria Air Force, are not to abandon their Commander-In-Chief in whichever circumstance he is. This is a standard operating procedure.”
Shehu, described claims about outrageous fees allegedly paid by Nigeria as totally untrue, explaining that aircraft conveying Heads of States all over the world, usually enjoy waivers, even where payments for parking are differentiated by aircraft categories.
According to the Presidential Spokesman, even where the waiver is not granted, “payment will not exceed £1,000, which is a quarter of the amount being peddled.”
He noted that, Buhari was not the first to have a Presidential aircraft standing by for him, as he would “certainly” not be the last.
“All past Heads of this country have had this privilege, and the part that surprises the most, is that leaders who in the past traveled with three Nigerian aircraft, did not suffer this trenchant criticism.”
Shehu speaking further, appealed to Nigerians to ignore opposition campaign, aimed at derailing Buhari’s administration’s “big plans” for the country.
