By Oluwatosin Maliki
President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi, has got Nigerians talking about the presidential jet which he and his entourage flew to polo games in Kano State.
This controversy began on Monday, when Seyi’s use of a presidential jet for non-official purposes, was criticized by a journalist, Jaafar Jaafar, who also cited a similar incident when President Muhammadu Buhari’s daughter, Hanan, travelled in a presidential jet for a photo tour.
While, sharing photos on his X (formally Twitter), Jaafar wrote, “Here’s Tinubu’s golden child, Seyi, travelling in a presidential jet to watch polo in Kano. 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.”
Nigerians have taken to social media to chime in on the matter as they debate whether his action was right or wrong.
See reactions of Nigerians on X (formerly Twitter).
@HGBashar said, “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 said, “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 also said, “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”.
@GoziconC replied the journalist on X saying, “Thank you for showcasing your frustration. When your father becomes the most powerful man in Nigeria, please don’t near the Presidential Jet. Feel free to use wheelbarrow as your means of transport, but until then, continue crying!!”
Another user @Aiesmerh tweeted, “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 wrote, “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”.