By Emmanuel Nduka
In an era marked by escalating insecurity, questions are rising about President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to bolster his personal safety while Nigerians live daily at the mercy of criminal elements. Recent procurements suggests that the president may be implementing a range of unprecedented measures to safeguard himself across all domains – air, land, and sea.
On land, Tinubu drives in a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The Escalade is known for its lavish luxury, spaciousness, and advanced security features. Findings by HT Exclusive reveals that the model used by Tinubu is reportedly equipped with additional security upgrades, making it specially suited for high profile Individuals. The cost of a fully-equipped 2023 Cadillac Escalade can range from $100,000 to $130,000 (80 to 104 million naira).
For air travels, President Tinubu newly acquired a presidential jet valued at over $200million. It is an Airbus A330-200. It is one of three fleets that were ordered for the president’s comfort. His administration told Nigerians that the official jet used by his predecessor had become rickety, and needed to be changed. Tinubu bought a second-hand 15-year-old plane to replace the 19-year-old plane used by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.
Manufactured in November 2009, Tinubu’s new jet was originally registered as VP-CAC for Midroc Aviation in Saudi Arabia, where it was used for 12 years. It was then sold to AMAC Aerospace in Switzerland in April 2021, which operated it for another three years before the Nigerian Government purchased it.
Tinubu’s efforts would have been consolidated across all fronts with the acquisition of a presidential yacht that was initially appropriated in the 2023 budget. But the Nigerian Parliament was quick to ditch the N5billion facility after massive outcry from Nigerians who faulted the president’s plans in the face of escalating economic hardship and the need to cut down on government spending. The presidency had argued that “what was named as a Presidential Yacht in the budget is an Operational Naval boat with specialized security gadgets suitable for high profile operational inspection, and not for the use of the president”. The presidency would later announce the redeployment of the yacht fund to facilitate loans for students.
Growing Insecurity
Last week, a group of medical students from the University of Ibadan were abducted along the notorious Lagos-Ibadan expressway by armed assailants who ambushed their vehicle. The kidnappers have since made a demand of N50million ($65,000USD) for their release.
In the last one year, Nigeria has seen a high number of kidnappings, particularly in the northern and central regions. In 2023 alone, over 3,000 kidnappings were reported, with a significant number involving students, travelers, and villagers, according to data from Nigeria Security Tracker. Over 1,000 deaths were reported within the same period.
During the administration of ex-president Buhari, there was a bomb attack on an Abuja-Kaduna train which left scores dead, and many others kidnapped. Thus, the safest means for Tinubu’s travels would be by Air, or in his fully armored Escalade, with full presidential escorts.
Trust Issues, Wastefulness
In the US, the official presidential car known as ‘The Beast’, is a specially modified Cadillac that was introduced during the Barack Obama administration. The vehicle is specially designed with extensive security features. When President Joe Biden took over office in January 2021, he continued using ‘The Beast’. He only made updates and modifications as necessary for the new administration. The vehicle is maintained and updated regularly to ensure its functionality and security, but it is not replaced with a new model for each administration.
But in Africa, the reverse is mostly the case. During his presidency in Nigeria, ex-president Goodluck Jonathan used a number of official vehicles, including a high-security armored Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The specific model was a Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman Guard, known for its advanced security features designed to protect high-profile individuals. When ex-president Muhammadu Buhari took over in 2015, he opted for a Maybach 62 for official duties. A flagrant waste of resources. Now Tinubu is driving a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. Superstition, distrust for one another pushes them. Nigerian leaders are fond of wanting to “cleanse” and replace the entirety of facilities used by their predecessors when they assume office.
Presidential Jets Controversy, Rising Hunger
Last week, a French Court ordered the seizure of three presidential aircraft of the Nigerian Government. The jets were said to be undergoing maintenance in Toulouse, France. The court ordered the seizure of the aircrafts over a botched deal between the Ogun State Government and a Chinese firm.
In defence, the Tinubu presidency accused Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Co. Ltd of deceiving the French court into seizing the jets.
The jets listed for seizure are a Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737-7N6/BBJ and an Airbus A330-243 stationed at Paris-Le Bourget and Basel-Mulhouse airports.
Zhongshan Fucheng whose export processing zone management contract was revoked by the Ogun state government in 2016, had approached the court demanding a seizure of Nigerian assets despite not directly having a deal with the country as an entity.
Reacting to the decision of the court in a statement, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga accused the company of misleading and deceiving the court.
“It must be said without any equivocation that Zhongshan has no solid ground to demand restitution from the Ogun State Government based on the facts regarding the 2007 contract between the company and the State Government to manage a free-trade zone.
“Undoubtedly, Zhongshan withheld vital information and misled the Judicial Court in Paris into attaching the Nigerian government’s presidential jets, which are on routine maintenance in France. The use and nature of the Presidential jets as assets of a Sovereign entity whose assets are protected by diplomatic immunity forbid any foreign Court from issuing an order against them.
“We are convinced the Chinese company misled the Judicial Court of Paris regarding the use and nature of the assets it seeks to attach and did not fully disclose to the court as required by law.
“This same Chinese company had tried to enforce its questionable judgment in the UK and USA but failed.
“We want to assure Nigerians that the Federal Government is working with the Ogun State Government to discharge this frivolous order in Paris immediately,” the Nigerian government stated.
Amidst rising hunger caused by Tinubu’s policies, especially the removal of petrol subsidy, Nigerians are battling to feed. Economy experts have posited that the West African country is not poor, and that the hardship is induced as a tool for manipulation.
Prior to his rise to power, his wife communicated to Nigerians that the incumbent president has no desire for public funds or the lavish lifestyle that comes with his office. He was already extremely wealthy and could personally afford all the luxury he would need, they boasted.
But the problem in Africa persists – misplaced priority. In the midst of extreme poverty, leaders continue to live lavishly at the expense of the poor, and ask them to endure.
“Bola Tinubu is the definition of Poverty Mentality. You have to respect Hunger. When a rich man is poor, humanity suffer.
“Nigerians have to undertake baby steps of pain for Asiwaju to chop life. Although he had plenty before he entered through the window, Oliver Twist still want some more.
“At this rate, he’ll need a SpaceX.
“Someone is living the life he dreamt of (while hustling day & night on the streets of Chicago). The joke is you that expected Obasanjo’s Economy. Did he promise you anything?
“He said it was his turn. Then he wants to dance.
“All I want to do is dance!!!!”
“Then he made that infamous speech.
“When we will reduce their purchasing power, & further slow down the economy. Let’s increase the tax net. Those who are not paying now, even if it’s Boi Boi Bola Tinubu, let’s make the net bigger, & take in more taxes, & that is what we must do in the country.
“HELLOOOOOOOO, DID YOU MISS THAT?
“True to his word, he continued from where Buhari stopped. But he found additional space for wayo. The Agbados can’t believe their eyes.
“He spent a ridiculous amount on a yacht, & bought the latest Cadillac. Back then, we thought he was insensitive, until he proved that he actually had no sense of reason (with an outrageous N150 billion presidential jet).
“These belong to a president whose citizens are one of the poorest people in the world.
“You have to be born mad to survive Nigeria.
“If they explained that place to you & you understood it, you’re probably mad.
“Each time the news of purchase was leaked to the press, they already purchased it. They did that during the presidential yacht denials. They reinforced it with the new jet as well.
“E remain a Presidential Train.
“Our Jagaban is enjoying on our behalf.”
“Thank God I didn’t promise them anything.
“I only said Emi Lo Kan; it is my turn.”
“A Government of Lies, Rice & Propaganda.
“I hope you’re thoroughly entertained,” an X user, NEFERTITI wrote.
