President Bola Tinubu has allegedly violated the recent directive he issued to reduce the number of individuals accompanying him during official travels. Last Tuesday, the President had announced a significant cut in the number of officials on his entourage, emphasizing it as part of the government’s “massive cost-cutting measures.” According to reports, Mr. Tinubu had directed that his delegations be limited to 25 individuals for local travels and 20 for international engagements.
Additionally, he ordered the regular deployment of security agents based at his destinations for protection, rather than being accompanied by an extensive security detail from Abuja. Despite the laudable policy receiving widespread praise for addressing concerns of wasteful public spending, it appears that less than a week after its announcement, President Tinubu himself violated the directive during his visit to Imo State on Monday.
When the President traveled to Owerri, Imo State, for the inauguration of Governor Hope Uzodinma’s second term, his entourage consisted of more than 50 individuals. The report suggests that at least 25 people accompanied him on the presidential aircraft, with an additional 30 officials traveling before his arrival in the city.
Notable figures reported to have been part of the entourage include President Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, senior special assistants, personal secretaries, security personnel, and media representatives. The list also encompasses two presidential photographers, an official videographer, and NTA reporters and cameramen.
A State House official described the situation as “ludicrous,” pointing out that additional personnel were mobilized to travel ahead of the President’s arrival, including security details, protocol officials, and journalists, despite local media already having representatives in Owerri for the inauguration.
