Nigerians recoil at Seyi Tinubu’s waste of tax payers’ money for leisure
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Some Nigerians have wondered why Bola Tinubu’s first son, Seyi, did not ride on one of his father’s two private jets to a final polo tournament in Kano on Sunday, and why the President allowed him to use a presidential jet at a cost to tax payers, adding to the cost of governance, when other citizens are compelled to live on less.
Seyi was welcomed to Kano by government officials.
The discussion started when journalist Jaafar Jaafar on Monday criticised Seyi’s use of the presidential jet for private purposes, citing a similar instance when former President Muhammadu Buhari’s daughter, Hanan, travelled on a presidential jet for a photo tour.
However, this type of arrogance and waste of public funds date back to Sani Abacha when his eldest son often travelled on helicopters and jets in the presidential fleet.
“Here’s Tinubu’s golden child, Seyi, travelling in a presidential jet to watch polo in Kano,” Jaafa posted with photos on X (Twitter)
“But this trend did not start today. Buhari set the bad example when he allowed his daughter, Hanan, to travel in a presidential jet for a photo tour in Bauchi.
“Even if our laws are vague on this, one thing is clear. This is an offence to the moral code of leadership.”
The reactions of some Twitter users echo Jaafa’s views, but others skirted over the core part of the story, as compiled below by The PUNCH.
Tinubu bashers
Tinubu bashers latched on to the issues of morality and waste of public funds:
HGBashar
“Buhari merely sought the title of ‘President’ without understanding or respecting the sanctity of the office. The audacity to let his daughter, Hanan, use a presidential jet for a mere photo tour in Bauchi was the beginning of this mockery.
“Now we see Tinubu’s protege, Seyi, hopping on the same jet for a polo match in Kano. It’s not just about the laws, it’s about ethics, morals, and respect for the position.
“Our leaders must do more than just occupy an office; they must uphold its dignity.”
belloinuwa
“What about the misuse of a special forces unit as his body guards? See them in the pictures. The other day he went skate boarding in Abuja with them running by his side.
“This is just a continuation of the culture of impunity from the previous government, perhaps on an even grander scale this time.”
buzuzu7
“This is just a snapshot of what is to come under BAT. Wait until Folashade starts her own gig.
“This is what you get when self-serving folks make their way to power and those who should know better align with them just to foster ethno-religious sentiments.”
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Pro-Tinubu camp
Pro-Tinubu netizens generally avoided dealing with morality of the issue and the misuse of tax payers’ money.
GoziconC
“Thank you for showcasing your frustration. When your father becomes the most powerful man in Nigeria, please don’t [go] near the Presidential Jet. Feel free to use wheelbarrow as your means of transport, but until then, continue crying!!”
Aiesmerh
“So what do you expect them to fly public flight as a first family? Jaafar this your story won’t sell abeg. It’s so globally. Get another story to sell.”
Masiobi
“These guys were rich before entering the Villa, stop this hating please. The nation is grappling with many issues and families are struggling too.
“PJ or No PJ, the boy will still find a way to watch his favourite sport.”
Seyi being welcomed by Kano officials.
