In a recent turn of events, Seyi Tinubu, the son of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, has found himself at the center of controversy after using a presidential jet to attend the Kano International Polo Tournament. This private trip has ignited a debate surrounding the ethical use of government resources.

Witnesses reported that Seyi Tinubu and his friends arrived in Kano on a presidential jet on a Sunday afternoon. Upon landing, he was greeted by officials from the presidency, the Kano State government, and the Kano Polo Club.Tight security, provided by armed units of the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Service, escorted him to the Usman Dantata Polo Ground.

After enjoying the final matches of the two-week polo tournament and witnessing the awards ceremony, Seyi Tinubu and his entourage were transported back to Abuja in the presidential jet.

Seyi Tinubu, known for his passion for polo, attended the event purely as a spectator and a polo enthusiast. He is the patron of the STL Polo Team in Lagos and has actively participated in previous polo tournaments.

However, his use of a presidential plane for personal reasons has sparked outrage among some Nigerians. Critics argue that such actions go against the principles of transparency and accountability in public office.

One London-based Nigerian journalist, Jaafar Jaafar, voiced his anger on social media, stating, “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.”

“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.”

Others on social media echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for public officials to uphold ethical standards and set a positive example for the public. They expressed concerns about the misuse of government resources and the potential for abuse.

This incident has reignited the debate surrounding the inappropriate use of presidential jets, with comparisons drawn to past controversies. Notably, in January 2020, President Buhari’s youngest daughter, Hanan, faced criticism for taking a private trip on a presidential jet to Bauchi.

The ongoing discussion reflects a broader concern among Nigerians about the responsible use of public resources by government officials. Many are calling for leaders to prioritize ethics, morals, and respect for the positions they hold, rather than merely occupying an office.

As Seyi Tinubu’s Kano trip continues to generate controversy, the public’s demand for transparency and accountability in the use of government assets remains a critical issue in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Credit: Premium Times