The federal government’s projected budget of N5 billion for the acquisition of a presidential yacht has been condemned by Seyi Law, a stand-up comedian and supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In the 2023 supplementary budget, the federal government set aside N12.7 billion for the presidential air fleet and N5 billion for the acquisition of a presidential yacht.
The amount, which is included in the navy’s capital expenditure budget, has generated popular indignation.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the comedian criticized the government’s decision to invest in a presidential boat, calling it “insensitive to the plight of Nigerians.”
He also urged the president to reconsider the decision.
“I am absolutely not in support of the procurement of the presidential yacht,” he wrote.
“It is quite insensitive to the plight of Nigerians at this moment to even rationalise it.
“I call on the president, @officialABAT, to once again prove to Nigerians that he listens. Thank you, your Excellency.”
I am absolutely not in support of the procurement of the presidential yacht. It is quite insensitive to the plight of Nigerians at this moment to even rationalise it. I call on the president, @officialABAT, to once again prove to Nigerians that he listens. Thank you, your…
— SEYILAW (@seyilaw1) November 1, 2023
The development came after Akin Rotimi, the house of representatives’ spokesperson, verified FG’s procurement of sports utility vehicles (SUVs) worth N160 million for the lower chamber’s 360 members.
In addition, the government has earmarked N50 billion in its 2024 supplementary budget to finance the development of 40,000 housing units as part of the “renewed hope” plan.
Law backed Tinubu as his favored presidential contender in the 2023 general election in February.
Following his political decision, the comedian allegedly received death threats from his daughter, Tiwaloluwa Aletile.
