Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, and activist Omoyele Sowore, have joined forces to demand President Bola Tinubu to cancel the proposed purchase of a N5 billion presidential yacht. The call comes as millions of poor Nigerians continue to suffer from dire economic conditions.
The 2023 supplementary budget presented by President Tinubu to the National Assembly includes a staggering expenditure of N5.095 billion for the acquisition of a presidential yacht. Sani and Sowore have strongly criticized this move, arguing that it is unjustifiable to splurge such a colossal amount of money on luxury while the majority of Nigerians are struggling to survive.
In a post on X, Shehu Sani urged the president to promptly reconsider the purchase of the N5 billion yacht. He emphasized the stark contrast between the dire circumstances faced by the poor, who struggle to survive in canoes, and the extravagant indulgence of a presidential yacht.
Meanwhile, Omoyele Sowore launched a scathing attack on Tinubu, accusing him of fostering a dynasty of thieves. In a passionate post on X, Sowore pointed out the hypocrisy of the ruling class, noting that Tinubu recently built a mansion spanning from Bourdillon to Queens Drive in Ikoyi, and yet seeks to renovate a presidential lodge in Lagos at a cost of N4 billion.
Sowore also mocked Tinubu’s son, Seyi, who allegedly snuck into Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings, suggesting that such theatrics were merely an attempt to deceive the public. Sowore’s post concluded with the hashtag #RevolutionNow, highlighting the urgent need for societal change.
The demand from Shehu Sani and Omoyele Sowore to cancel the purchase of the N5 billion presidential yacht reflects the growing frustration of the Nigerian population with rampant corruption and extravagant spending by the ruling elite. It remains to be seen how President Tinubu will respond to these calls for financial prudence and accountability.
