In response to recent issues with the presidential jets, a committee within Nigeria’s House of Representatives has authorized an investigation. The House Committee on National Security and Intelligence met behind closed doors on Monday, May 20th, 2024, with Air Vice Marshal Olayinka Olusola, Commander of the Presidential Air Fleet.
The central topic of discussion was the circumstances surrounding President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent use of a chartered aircraft.
The committee has resolved to establish a technical committee to collaborate with the National Security Advisor, the Presidential Air Fleet Commander, and other stakeholders. This committee’s objective is to swiftly develop a solution that ensures the continued safe and reliable operation of the presidential aircraft.
Debating a motion of urgent public importance brought on the floor of the House by the Chairman, House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Ahmad Satomi, the lawmakers resolved to invite the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the commander of the presidential fleet to offer explanations on the status of the aircraft in the presidential fleet in view of the huge annual budgetary allocations for their maintenance.
During the debate, the Minority Whip, Ali Isa, had called on the President and the Vice President to consider travelling by road in order to ascertain the true state of road infrastructure across the country.
Briefing journalists after the executive session, Satomi said a technical committee would be set up to interface with the officials at the presidential air fleet to generate a resolution.
“The committee has engaged the commandant of the presidential air fleet, the NSA and a lot has been discussed. It is a very sensitive national security issue that has to do with our President. And looking at our role in the foreign policy position of Nigeria, this is not something that we will come out publicly and discuss. Nevertheless, a lot has been explained.
“The committee resolved to set up a small technical committee to interface with the NSA, commandant, and all the stakeholders within a short period of time to come up with a final resolution that will foster the best for Nigeria, our President and the entire team of the presidential air fleet.
“So, I think for now the technical team will engage all the stakeholders in the presidential air fleet who have something to say. In the end, we will come up with a final resolution. But for now, we have not taken the decision. But we must have something that will represent Nigeria as a country.”
The need for this probe comes amidst concerns regarding the dependability of the presidential fleet. The recent reliance on a chartered aircraft has fueled speculation about the severity of the issues plaguing the presidential jets. The investigation aims to shed light on the underlying causes of these problems and determine the most effective course of action.
This development comes after members of the House of Representatives expressed differing opinions on the matter during a plenary session. The probe signifies a step towards addressing the concerns surrounding the presidential aircraft and ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of the nation’s leadership.
