Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, has set mouths wagging on social media as he was flown to Kano in a presidential jet just to watch the finals of this year’s edition of the Kano International Polo Tournament.
The president’s son arrived in Kano with his associates amidst a heavy security presence deployed by the Nigerian Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).
He was received at the airport by some government officials, among them the president and the Kano state government.
Thereafter, his convoy moved to the Usman Dantata Polo Ground, the venue of the tournament.
Mr. Seyi’s abuse of public assets, as he exhibits in his flamboyance, especially the frequent use of the presidential jet for a private event, drew sharp criticism from some Nigerians.
Jaafar Jaafar, a London-based Nigerian journalist, brimmed with anger on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Here’s Tinubu’s golden child, Seyi, traveling in a presidential jet to watch polo in Kano… Even if our laws are vague on this, one thing is clear: this is an offense to the moral code of leadership.”
Reacting to the journalist’s comment, another user of the micro-blogging platform, who identified himself as Aliyu, said, “The use of presidential jets for personal or non-official purposes by public officials can raise concerns about transparency and accountability. Leaders need to uphold ethical standards and set a good example for the public. Transparency and adherence to rules can help combat corruption and ensure that government resources are used responsibly.”
“What about the misuse of a special forces unit as his bodyguards? Another X user, Bello Anka, said: “See them in the pictures. The other day, he went skateboarding 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.”
This is not the first time the child of a sitting Nigerian president would use the presidential jet for an unofficial purpose.
MUK TV recalls that the youngest daughter of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Hanan, had flown the presidential jet on January 9, 2020, from Abuja to Bauchi on a private visit, an action Nigerians condemned.
Recalling what happened during the Buhari era vis-à-vis On Seyi Tinubu’s Sunday pleasure trip to Kano on the presidential jet, another X user, Bashar, 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.”
