Bagudu: Controversial Yacht Not for Tinubu’s Personal Use

Deji  Elumoye in  Abuja

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, has stressed that the controversial Presidential Yacht in the 2023 supplementary budget was not intended for President Bola Tinubu’s personal use. 

Speaking to newsmen along the sidelines of the retreat for ministers and other aides of the President yesterday at the State House, Abuja, the minister described as ridiculous insinuations that something personal was inserted in the supplementary budget for the President.

He stressed that President Tinubu before his election in February, 2023 had lived a simple and modest life in a three-bedroom apartment in Abuja.

Bagudu said: “President Tinubu has always told us his team that he is happy with all he has achieved in life; personal comfort does not matter to him. Before he was elected president, he stays in a three-bedroom apartment in Abuja. He lives a modest, humble life. 

“So, to suggest that something was put in the budget for his comfort is ridiculous”.

Bagudu further explained that 30 percent of the supplementary budget was voted for the security sector while the remaining allocation were for infrastructural development.

According to him: “President Tinubu during the campaigns, repeatedly emphasised the urgency to tackle security. And not surprisingly 30 percent of the supplementary budget is for the defense sector. 

“Equally, he has spoken about the need to support vulnerable populace and keep promises equally 30% of the supplementary budget is also on the on palliatives. N400 billion cash transfers and N200 billion cash awards. Equally infrastructure, about 25% of the supplementary budget is infrastructure. So, there you have it, about 85% is in these three areas. 

“The mischaracterization or controversy that followed from the way Navy described the ship has unfortunately generated a controversy but if out of a budget of N2.2 trillion 95% of it is okay, I think President Tinubu should be given credit for it.”