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Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Politics / Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 (9243 Views)
What Is A Presidential Yacht? Thecable Takes You Into The World Of The Big Toy / What Is A Presidential Yacht? Countries With Presidential Yachts / How To Resolve The Hijab Controversy By Farooq A. Kperogi (2) (3) (4)
Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by naptu2: 5:08am On Nov 04, 2023 |
Nigeria’s Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2. Once again, there has been controversy over a request by the Nigerian Navy for a presidential yacht. I have heard all kinds of stories since the news broke. Some people said that it’s for a party, others asked how the yacht can be used in Abuja, etc. This issue seems to crop up every few years, so I guessed what was happening as soon as I heard it and I have been proved right. Summary: 1) What is a presidential yacht used for? It is used primarily for presidential fleet reviews. 2) Is this the first time that we would be having a yacht for our head of state? No, I will tell you about 3 previous yachts. 3) Is this the first time that we have had controversy over the Navy’s request for a presidential yacht? No, there have been 2 previous controversies in recent times. 4) Do we need a presidential yacht? I have watched 4 previous presidential fleet reviews (President Babangida in 1987, President Obasanjo in 2006, President Jonathan in 2010 and President Buhari in 2023) and I know that the Nigerian Navy has other vessels that can do the job perfectly well. I will tell you about the other vessels. 23 Likes 4 Shares
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Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by naptu2: 5:09am On Nov 04, 2023 |
Why we do not need a presidential yacht and why the Nigerian Navy keeps asking for one. My first reaction as soon as I heard that there was a request for a presidential yacht was, “But the fleet review is over”. A fleet review is an event in which warships parade and are reviewed by a very senior official, usually the president/head of state. Quite often warships from all over the world come to take part in fleet reviews. British, American, Chinese, French, Ghanaian and Beninese warships have taken part in fleet reviews in Nigeria. Nigerian warships have taken part in fleet reviews in the United Kingdom (to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar), Brazil (to mark the 100th anniversary of the Brazilian Navy), Australia (to mark the 100th anniversary of the Australian Navy), etc. The Nigerian Navy is asking for a presidential yacht, so that the president will have a well-protected vessel from which he can watch the ceremony and review the fleet. That’s basically what a presidential yacht is used for in Nigeria. The Navy has made this request several times since Year 2000 and it leads to controversy every time. I do not believe that the Navy needs a presidential yacht and I will explain why. In 1987 I watched the NTA News and they showed President Babangida taking a helicopter ride from Dodan Barracks to NNS Aradu, Nigeria’s flagship. He watched the fleet review from NNS Aradu and this left an impression on me. I believed then that the president should watch such things from the Aradu because it is Nigeria’s flagship. Some might argue that the 1987 fleet review was held at the same time as an operation in the open ocean, but that fleet reviews usually happen at the Elegbata Channel, Commodore’s Channel, etc, which are shallower and that the Aradu is too big to be used by the president for a fleet review. I have an answer to that argument. The Nigerian Navy held an international fleet review in 2010 to mark the 50th anniversary of Nigeria. It had asked for money to buy a presidential yacht, but this caused controversy in the media and the government was roundly criticised. Therefore, no presidential yacht was bought. Instead President Jonathan reviewed the fleet from a Shaldag MK II patrol boat of the Nigerian Navy. You can see the boat (guarded by SBS commandoes in rafts) in the first picture below. Another fleet review was held in May this year. I had expected another controversy over presidential yacht, but there was none (now we know why). President Muhammadu Buhari reviewed the fleet from aboard NNS Sokoto, an OCEA fast patrol craft. In other words, the Nigerian Navy has a lot of patrol boats that the president can use to review the fleet. We don’t need a presidential yacht. In fact, the Chief of the Naval Staff already has an official motorboat/yacht. The CNS has always had an official motorboat and it is used to get to Nigerian Navy installations and the Navy House at Queen’s Drive in Ikoyi (opposite Five Cowrie Creek). The president can use that if he needs to review the fleet. NNS Sokoto is very important to my argument. One of the reasons that the Navy says that it needs a presidential yacht is because of security. The president needs extra security and the Navy does not want him to be attacked while reviewing the fleet and so it says that it needs a presidential yacht. ProForce is a Nigerian defence and armouring company. They armour civilian vehicles and produce armoured cars for the Nigerian Army and armoured boats for the Nigerian Navy. Ahead of this year’s fleet review, ProForce installed bulletproof glass and other security features on NNS Sokoto, so that the president could use it. So why do we need a presidential yacht? It must be cheaper to install security features on an already existing patrol boat than to buy a presidential yacht. Finally, the last reason why I believe that we do not need a presidential yacht has to do with frequency. Presidential fleet reviews are rare and I don’t think that we should spend so much money on something that we will rarely use. These are the fleet reviews that I remember. 1987. 2006 (to mark the 50th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy). 19 years’ gap. 2010 (to mark Nigeria’s 50th anniversary). 4 years’ gap. 2023 (to mark the end of the Buhari Era). 13 years’ gap. Why should we spend so much on something we will rarely use, especially when there are many alternatives? The Navy might argue that it will be used as a training ship. Well, we already have a training ship. A lot of Niger-Delta businessmen got security contracts during the Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan eras. A businessman, Cyprian Imobhio, who was chief executive and managing director of Uniglobe Group, bought a decommissioned Irish warship, the LE Emer. He wanted to use it to execute one of those contracts. The Nigerian Government seized it because he did not have permission to operate a warship in Nigeria. It was handed over to the Navy and became the training ship NNS Prosperity. So we do not need a presidential yacht. Pictures and video: President Muhammadu Buhari reviewing the fleet from aboard NNS Sokoto earlier this year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeLtSmUBC-c 16 Likes 3 Shares
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Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by naptu2: 5:09am On Nov 04, 2023 |
Alternatives. naptu2: Pictures = NNS Prosperity. 9 Likes 3 Shares
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Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by naptu2: 5:10am On Nov 04, 2023 |
Previous yachts. Pictures 1 and 2. The Nigerian Government Steam Yacht "Ivy" in 1904 Picture 3. Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi on board H.M. Yacht Ivy, on his way to Calabar where he was sent into Exile and lived until his death in 1914. 5 Likes 3 Shares
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Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by naptu2: 5:10am On Nov 04, 2023 |
S.S Valiant. This was the Governor-General's yacht during the Colonial Era. It was used for fleet reviews and other ceremonial occasions. President Nnamdi Azikiwe inherited the yacht and he was on a cruise of the Caribbean on this yacht when the January 1966 coup took place. You might know this yacht because of its role in the 1980s. It was kept at Marina in Lagos and converted into a very famous nightclub/restaurant called The Floating Bukka. 16 Likes 7 Shares
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Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by naptu2: 5:10am On Nov 04, 2023 |
Rear Admiral Alfred Diette-Spiff was the governor of Rivers State during the Gowon era. He bought this yacht so that he and his Executive Council could stay on it when they were visiting the creeks of the state. It was called the Ogina Bereton. The Murtala Muhammed Administration believed that the yacht was too luxurious, so they converted it into a presidential yacht and training ship. It was renamed Ruwan Yaro. NNS Ruwan Yaro was later renamed NNS Amaria. NNS Amaria was decommissioned a long time ago and since then the Navy has been asking for money for a new yacht. 6 Likes 4 Shares
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Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by naptu2: 5:13am On Nov 04, 2023 |
2010 thread freegaza: 6 Likes 3 Shares
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Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by naptu2: 5:13am On Nov 04, 2023 |
More 2010 arguments 3 Likes 2 Shares
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Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by naptu2: 5:13am On Nov 04, 2023 |
Like I said, I immediately suspected that the presidential yacht was for the fleet review that took place earlier this year. But the fleet review is over, so why is this controversy coming up now? That's what the National Assembly is investigating. The Navy put a request for a presidential yacht in the Ministry of Defence's budget (the supplementary budget). The House of Representatives transferred the money to the student loan scheme. However, the National Assembly now says that it has discovered that the Navy already spent the money and that the yacht arrived just after the fleet review. It has vowed to investigate the Navy for spending the money without permission from the National Assembly. Presidential yacht already in Nigeria as Reps panel investigates Navy over procurement https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/639876-presidential-yacht-already-in-nigeria-as-reps-panel-investigates-navy-over-procurement.html Screenshot below is of the request for funds for a presidential yacht in the supplementary budget. See more at the Budget Office's website here: https://www.budgetoffice.gov.ng/index.php/resources/internal-resources/budget-documents/2023-supplementary-proposal/viewdocument/948 6 Likes 4 Shares
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Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by naptu2: 5:14am On Nov 04, 2023 |
1) President Nnamdi Azikiwe reviewing the fleet. 2) President Olusegun Obasanjo reviewing the fleet in 2006. 3) President Goodluck Jonathan reviewing the fleet in 2010. 4) President Muhammadu Buhari reviewing the fleet in 2023. 4 Likes 3 Shares
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Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by naptu2: 6:12am On Nov 04, 2023 |
The former chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral AZ Gambo, sailing out on NNS Sokoto. There is no reason why NNS Sokoto cannot serve as a presidential vessel for fleet reviews. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ioBW9cU3n4 7 Likes 2 Shares
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Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by naptu2: 6:13am On Nov 04, 2023 |
The former chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas sailing out on the chief of naval staff's official motorboat (NN01). There is no reason why NN01 cannot serve as presidential vessel at fleet reviews. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dk5cPkSA6s 1 Share
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Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by Tolumiide: 6:42am On Nov 04, 2023 |
Good job 12 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by OkpaNsukkaisBae(m): 6:43am On Nov 04, 2023 |
Just tell us that we don't need presidential yatcht. All these long write up, black & white pictures from 20th century is meaningless. There is no coastal water in FCT...you spend #5b to buy SUVs for the president. Yet you're telling the citizens to endure. Then u want to spend another #5b for yatch? Shey d Nigeria navy no get helicopter to fly our president? 26 Likes |
Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by kayusely70(m): 6:47am On Nov 04, 2023 |
The Navy needs no new Presidential Yatch. One of the ships can be converted to one! 16 Likes |
Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by OKUCHI11(m): 7:16am On Nov 04, 2023 |
Oga NAPTU ... WELL DONE... 31 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by GanagiBitrus: 7:16am On Nov 04, 2023 |
Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by Noerection: 7:16am On Nov 04, 2023 |
IPOB terrorists over to you 34 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by phemmie06(m): 7:16am On Nov 04, 2023 |
If there is no way the president can inspect the Navy or fleet, let him swim to do so at least he is Lagos boy 10 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by Cruise777: 7:16am On Nov 04, 2023 |
![]() Tinubu must start suing this idiots Each agency and parastatal present therr annual budget estimate and it gets forwarded to the National Assembly Suddenly they blame only one man Tinubu . 6 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by badboyTee(m): 7:16am On Nov 04, 2023 |
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Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by naptu2: 7:17am On Nov 04, 2023 |
I forgot to post this picture. President Goodluck Jonathan reviewing the fleet in 2010. You can see SBS commandos guarding the Shaldag MK II patrol boat. 9 Likes 2 Shares
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Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by Xwizard: 7:17am On Nov 04, 2023 |
Rubbish 1 Like |
Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by yeman05(m): 7:17am On Nov 04, 2023 |
Y |
Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by ShaqFu: 7:17am On Nov 04, 2023 |
Ride on Naptu. You're the man. Expose the ignorance of many of these peeps who have brains but refuse to use it. Kudos to you and yours. 19 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by AbuTwins: 7:18am On Nov 04, 2023 |
Some actually thought the president was getting a presidential yacht to relax and enjoy himself with his fam. 16 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by ShaqFu: 7:18am On Nov 04, 2023 |
Xwizard:How Is it rubbish, because it doesn't suit your narrative, right? Lmao. 12 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by Menclothing: 7:19am On Nov 04, 2023 |
All president of Nigeria use to buy yatch for navy 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by OkpaNsukkaisBae(m): 7:19am On Nov 04, 2023 |
We have checked the national budget office website..the navy is under the ministry of defense. There is nothing like procurement of presidential yacht in their 2024 budget proposal. Leave the Navy alone. Don't use them as scape goat. 5 Likes |
Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by GanagiBitrus: 7:20am On Nov 04, 2023 |
Quite curious that a N5b Yatch was delivered to Nigeria without full or part payment & without budget approval from Lawmakers. Whoever initiated the Transaction or Received the Yatch needs to answer some serious questions. Can we even see a picture of this Yacht? Chances are that it is a fraudulent scheme by some persons to pocket N5b for a Yacht that was never delivered. 12 Likes |
Re: Nigeria's Presidential Yacht Controversy By Naptu2 by Passionnn: 7:21am On Nov 04, 2023 |
Fraudulent people in power 8 Likes |
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