Nigerian presidency denies ownership of yacht in France linked to Tinubu

Abuja, Nigeria - September 9, 2024 - The Nigerian presidency has refuted claims that a luxury yacht spotted in St Tropez, France, flying the country's flag belongs to President Bola Tinubu.

A viral video of the yacht sparked speculation among netizens, but Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital and New Media, Otega Ogra, has set the record straight.

In a social media post, Ogra clarified that the 42-meter Benetti yacht has been privately owned for five years and has no connection to the Nigerian government, President, or Armed Forces.

He also educated the public on the correct features of the Nigerian flag, noting that the official flag does not have a coat of arms in the center.

In a post on X, he further educated the public, noting that flags used by the President or the Nigerian Armed Forces don't feature a coat of arms as seen on the one bore by the yacht at the centre of the matter.

“There have been false claims circulating that a private individual’s yacht spotted in St. Tropez is a Nigerian government yacht. Here are some points to consider in order to discern the truth," the post said.

“The 42-metre Benetti yacht currently being circulated online has been privately owned for around five years since its construction.

“It is important to note that this specific yacht has no connection or ownership ties to the Nigerian government, President, or Armed Forces. Any claims or assertions suggesting otherwise are simply untrue and inaccurate. It is not uncommon for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner’s country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.

“The official Nigerian flag is Green-White-Green without a coat of arms in the middle. Flags representing the Nigerian President or the Armed Forces do not contain a coat of arms in the centre. Placing anything in the centre of the flag is a clear deviation,” Otega Orga added.

This denial comes after President Tinubu approved a budget for a presidential yacht and private jet in November last year, despite public outcry.

The presidency's swift response aims to quell misinformation and reassure Nigerians that the luxury yacht is not a government asset.

Source : Lead News Online