TheCable

Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, says the presidential jet can be used by President Muhammadu Buhari’s wife and children.

He was reacting to the criticism on social media over the use of the presidential jet by Buhari’s daughter to a private ceremony in Bauchi.

Hanan Buhari was invited to the Durbar by Rilwanu Adamu, emir of Bauchi, on Thursday.

A first-class graduate of photography from a UK university, Hanan was expected to document the event and other tourist attractions in the state.

Shehu said the presidency authorised the visit and informed the office of the national security adviser (NSA) to release the jet.

“It’s true that a member of the First Family was flown to Bauchi yesterday on a mission duly authorised,” Shehu told the Punch.

“It wasn’t an impromptu or improper trip because it followed normal procedure. The Presidency informed the National Security Adviser of the mission who in turn informed the Commander of the Presidential Air Fleet.

“The normal practice in existence for a long time is that the Presidential Air fleet is available to the President and the first family and four others.

“These four are the Vice President, the Senate President the Speaker and any other person(s) authorised by the President.”