EKO HOT BLOG reports that following his participation at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh from April 28-29, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly left Saudi Arabia and landed in London, England.
His sudden journey to London came as a surprise, as his media adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, had not previously mentioned any plans for a visit to the UK.
“After his engagements in the Netherlands, President Tinubu will proceed to attend a special World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting scheduled for April 28-29 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,” a statement released by Ngelale had read.
According to Sahara Reporters, Tinubu departed Riyadh International Airport at 12:05 am (02:05 am Saudi Arabian time) and landed at Stansted Airport, London, at 06:35 am UK time.
A Gulfstream Aerospace GV-SP (G550) with registration number 5N-FGW facilitated his travel, completing the journey in approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.
A senior Nigerian Air Force officer clarified that the aircraft operated as “Nigerian Air Force 1” during the trip, indicating the President’s presence onboard.
The officer explained that any Nigerian Air Force jet carrying the President earns the designation “Nigerian Air Force 1” to ensure special treatment and prevent confusion with other planes in the area.
This protocol is standard practice for presidential travels, and it highlights the importance of the President’s safety and security.
“Nigerian Air Force 1 isn’t technically the plane, it’s simply the radio call name for any Nigerian Air Force jet carrying the President of Nigeria.
“When the president steps aboard an Air Force jet, either the Boeing Business Jet (Boeing 737-700) 5N-FGT or Gulfstream Aerospace GV-SP (G550) with registration number 5N-FGW or the Falcon 7X jet (5N-FGV), the crew and all air traffic controllers refer to that aircraft as Nigeria Air Force 1 immediately. This practice aims to avoid confusion with any other planes in the area and to give him special treatment.
“No plane can operate as Nigerian Air Force 1 without the President onboard; it’s an illegal and treasonous offense. So, operating it as NAF 01 to London, as you stated, clearly indicates President Tinubu was onboard.
“If you check the flight history of the current plane in London, you would realize it was operated recently as Nigerian Air Force 2, meaning that Vice President Shettima was the one onboard,” explained a senior Nigerian Air Force officer to the platform.
Tinubu’s visit to London comes at a time when Nigerians are struggling with the scarcity of petroleum products, which has caused widespread hardship and darkness for many households and businesses that rely on generators for power supply.
Despite the government’s claims of sufficient petroleum products, the scarcity persists, and the country is grappling with economic hardship and security concerns.
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