The Labour Party’s presidential candidate for 2023, Peter Obi, has criticized the Federal Government’s plans to purchase new jets for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Obi called on the government to prioritize alleviating the suffering of the people instead of spending scarce resources on acquiring new presidential jets.
The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence recently recommended the purchase of new aircraft for Tinubu and Shettima after investigating the status of the aircraft in the presidential air fleet.
However, Obi argued that this decision demonstrates extreme insensitivity to the struggles of the citizens, especially considering the country’s economic crisis characterized by high inflation, a falling currency, and widespread poverty.
He emphasized the need for a more compassionate use of resources that prioritizes the welfare of the citizens, particularly in a time of rising insecurity, poverty, hunger, and homelessness. Obi also highlighted the discrepancy between the government’s priorities and the needs of the society, urging a shift towards addressing the challenges faced by the people and finding solutions to their problems.
The condition of the Presidential Air Fleet has raised significant concerns recently, with instances such as Vice President Kashim Shettima being unable to attend the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit due to a malfunctioning presidential jet in May.
Additionally, in December, a presidential aircraft, Falcon 900B, was listed for sale, with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) inviting bids for its purchase. These occurrences highlight the pressing need for attention to be directed towards the state of the Presidential Air Fleet to ensure seamless operations and uphold the dignity of the nation.
