Aisha Buhari had to board Emirates Airlines, with her children, instead of using Presidential aircraft.
Wife to President Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha Buhari, recently traveled as millions of other Muslims did to participated in the lesser Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
People were however wondering why the First Lady had to fly on a commercial airline instead of a presidential jet.
Mrs Buhari is said to have made the trip on board Emirates Airlines, with her children, because the President has restricted their use of the official aircraft.
President Buhari is said to have mandated that members of his Family fly commercial in non-emergencies in order to save cost.
A source told The Nation:
“President Buhari has adopted a strict policy on the use of presidential aircraft in order to save cost. His wife and relations have been restricted from the use of the aircraft in the presidential fleet.”
“A situation where the aircraft were used anyhow by some friends, associates of the President during the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan can no longer be applicable in this dispensation.”
“For example, the wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari and three children travelled for lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia on Emirates Airline. Buhari is determined to ensure the judicious use of the presidential aircraft to save cost. He is also setting a new template for governance. Do not be surprised if you see the President using commercial flights.”
Earlier reports had it that Buhari was considering selling off some of Nigeria’s presidential aircraft but these claims were denied by the Presidency.