The Presidency has confirmed a newspaper advertorial listing two Presidential Jets for sale. The advert appeared in Thisday Newspaper and caught many by surprise as no formal announcement or statement was made suggesting the Jets would be sold anytime soon.
Nairametrics founder, @ugodre had earlier in the day tweeted a picture of an advert in Thisday listing two Presidential jets for sale.
Government is already selling 'National Assets.' No dulling… pic.twitter.com/zPIXBsciPc
— Ugo Obi-Chukwu (@ugodre) October 4, 2016
The adverts was also seen by Nigerians who has seen the adverts and also took to social media to air their opinions. With, social media buzzing with the news, the Presidency had to no choice but to respond to queries about the authenticity of the sale.
Official Spokesperson for the Presidency, Garba Shehu confirmed the sale with a flurry of tweets. He also revealed that part of the remaining 9 jets will be sent to the Air Force. He did not name how many will be in the custody of the Presidency.
The newspaper adverts for the sale of 2 Presidential aircraft, a Falcon 7x executive jet & Hawker4000 were duly authorized by the Presidency
— Garba Shehu ?? (@GarShehu) October 4, 2016
This is in line with the directive of President @MBuhari that aircraft in the Presidential air fleet be reduced to cut down on waste.
— Garba Shehu ?? (@GarShehu) October 4, 2016
When he campaigned to be President, the then APC candidate @MBuhari, if you recall, promised to look at the presidential air fleet…
— Garba Shehu ?? (@GarShehu) October 4, 2016
…with view to cutting down on waste.
— Garba Shehu ?? (@GarShehu) October 4, 2016
His directive to a government committee on this assignment is that he liked to see a compact and reliable aircraft…
— Garba Shehu ?? (@GarShehu) October 4, 2016
…for the safe airlift of the President, the Vice President and other government officials that go on special missions.
— Garba Shehu ?? (@GarShehu) October 4, 2016
This exercise is by no means complete.
— Garba Shehu ?? (@GarShehu) October 4, 2016
…at which he will hand over some other aircraft to the Airforce for their operations.
— Garba Shehu ?? (@GarShehu) October 4, 2016