The office of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has debunked claims that the administration plans to buy a ₦5 Billion presidential yacht.
In response to widespread online speculation , the president through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Temitope Ajayi has given more details.
Naval Budget Breakdown
The proposed budget, initially raising eyebrows, is part of the capital expenditure allocation within the Nigerian Navy’s financial plan.
The Navy’s overall operational budget amounts to N62.8 billion, with recurrent and capital expenditures standing at N20.4 billion and N42.3 billion, respectively.
Ajayi emphasized that the request for a yacht was framed in the Navy’s budget, indicating that they have operational reasons justifying this allocation.
Putting Things in Context
Ajayi went on to condemn the deliberate misrepresentation of things, stressing the importance of context. He pointed out that sensationalizing specific line items without considering the broader context misleads the public and muddles the facts.
“It is important to say that journalism should enrich public enlightenment and not create an atmosphere of siege.
“It is poor reporting to always reduce State House budgetary provisions to the President and Vice President.
“When the State House makes provision for vehicles, it is reported as if it is the President that will use all the vehicles or eat all the food when a provision is made for food and catering services. We have had such inaccurate reporting in the past.”
Oversimplified Explanations
Ajayi also encouraged the budget office and those preparing it to provide clarity on why such expenditures are necessary, particularly given the country’s current economic challenges.
“The budget office should be in a position to also explain to the public why such expenditure should be accommodated now, considering the economic situation of the country,” Ajayi’s statement stated.
