In a statement issued by the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, GARBA SHEHU, the Presidency said there was need to set the record straight.
But, while not denying that NAF 001 Presidential Aircraft has been on standby for President BUHARI in London, GARBA SHEHU said the cost of the parking space to the government is exaggerated.
SHEHU said proper understanding of protocol and security arrangements involved in foreign trips by Heads of State requires a standby travel arrangement for immediate return or possible evacuation.
He said from operational point of view, the Armed Forces as represented by the Nigerian Air Force, are required not to abandon the Commander-In-Chief in whichever circumstances.
The Presidential spokesman also said the published amounts are totally untrue; explain that aircraft conveying heads of state all over the world usually enjoy waivers even where payments for parking are differentiated by aircraft categories.
GARBA SHEHU disclosed that where a waiver is not granted, payment will usually not exceed one thousand pounds, which he said is a quarter of the amount being peddled.
SHEHU maintained that President BUHARI is not the first to have a presidential aircraft standing by for him, and will certainly not be the last.
He said all past Heads of Nigeria have had the same privilege, and that past leaders who travelled with three Nigerian aircraft did not suffer what he described as trenchant criticism.
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