The Presidency has reacted to the controversy surrounding a luxury yacht spotted in St. Tropez, France, flying the Nigerian flag.
The viral video of the yacht sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many questioning the ownership and purpose of the vessel.
However, in a statement released on Saturday, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Digital and New Media, Otega Ogra, made timely clarifications.
He revealed that the yacht belongs to a private individual and has no connection to the Nigerian government, President Bola Tinubu, or the Armed Forces.
Ogra explained that the official Nigerian flag is Green-White-Green without any additional symbols, contrary to the flag displayed on the yacht. According to him, flags representing the Nigerian President or the Armed Forces do not feature a coat of arms in the centre.
The presidential aide clarified that the 42-meter Benetti yacht has been privately owned for around five years since its construction. He noted that it is common for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner’s country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.
His words, “There have been false claims circulating that a private individual’s yacht spotted in St. Tropez is a Nigerian government yacht. Here are some points to consider in order to discern the truth.
“The 42-metre Benetti yacht currently being circulated online has been privately owned for around five years since its construction.
“It is important to note that this specific yacht has no connection or ownership ties to the Nigerian government, President, or Armed Forces. Any claims or assertions suggesting otherwise are simply untrue and inaccurate. It is not uncommon for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner’s country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.
“The official Nigerian flag is Green-White-Green without a coat of arms in the middle. Flags representing the Nigerian President or the Armed Forces do not contain a coat of arms in the centre. Placing anything in the centre of the flag is a clear deviation.”