Opposition Criticizes Presidency Over New Presidential Jet

The opposition has raised concerns and criticism against the Presidency following the acquisition of a new presidential jet, questioning the timing and priorities.

On Monday, the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party criticized the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu for acquiring a new presidential jet worth $100m without obtaining approval from the National Assembly.

Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of PDP, and Timothy Osadolor, the Deputy Youth Leader expressed their disapproval towards the government’s insensitivity. They cited Nigerians’ struggles to make ends meet in these difficult times as evidence.

The spokesman of Yunusa Tanko, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party’s campaign also expressed concern stating that it is alarming to see how President prioritizes his comfort over the welfare of Nigerians during such economic turmoil.

President Tinubu set out on a business journey to France via recently procured Airbus A330 corporate transport, commencing this Monday.

The Nigerian Air Force is now the registered owner of the aircraft.

The purchase of this model, which is commonly employed as a twin-aisle passenger airplane, was made last month for $100 million.

Bayo Onanuga, the Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, has posted verified pictures of the presidential jet on his X handle to give citizens a sneak peek into this latest addition to the president’s fleet.

The jet’s modern features were rapidly brought into the limelight through captivating images.

Onanuga stated that the previous Boeing B737-700(BBJ), which was acquired during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration and had been in operation for 19 years, has now been replaced by this new jet.

Modernizing the presidential fleet takes a significant stride with this upgrade.

During an interview with the LP representative expressed regret that a country where individuals are still struggling in extreme poverty should not bear witness to the President procuring a lavish aircraft.

Tanko expressed gratitude to God for the Freedom of Information Act, which grants citizens access to information through written requests or direct inquiries. He emphasized that every Nigerian has a right to know and highlighted the government’s constitutional obligation of transparency and accountability towards its people.

This particular government is engaged in numerous questionable transactions, yet the people seem to be turning a blind eye. Although the acquisition of the jet has garnered attention, it is but one instance among many. Rumors abound that even more egregious behavior may be taking place- including reports that suggest our President recently purchased a new vehicle for himself.

It is evident that they are solely prioritizing their own interests at the detriment of Nigerians. In a typical scenario, it is expected that the National Assembly would have been informed and made a decision on whether or not to grant approval. The current state we face in this country appears extremely distressing.

The government must openly disclose the source of funds for purchasing an Airbus worth $100 million while citizens suffer in poverty, devoid of any empathy or compassion. It’s staggering to consider that we’re buying fuel today at N970 per litre from pump stations.

The Deputy Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Abdullahi, also spoke with The Punch and commented that the acquisition of a presidential aircraft during times when Nigerians are battling hunger and difficulties highlights the APC-led Federal Government’s lack of commitment.

This confirms that the government is not prioritizing effectively and lacks seriousness, as evident since their pre-office tenure. They have opted for pursuing unproductive projects with no national interest in mind.

Nigerians are struggling through the economic crisis, but their pleas have fallen on deaf ears as the APC government shows incompetence by purchasing an additional aircraft for a presidential fleet that already boasts at least nine planes.

Abdullahi stated that this is once again proof of the government’s lack of empathy and prioritization of atheism over their duty to safeguard citizens. He emphasized that observers are unsettled by these events and urged Nigerians to reflect on current circumstances before it becomes a tragedy for the nation as time progresses.

Likewise, the government received criticism from the PDP National Deputy Youth Leader.

According to Osadolor, the Tinubu government’s actions display a lack of sensitivity. He expresses deep concern over the President engaging in acts of impunity amidst economic crises faced by Nigerians, given his prior experience serving as both governor and senator. In Osadolor’s opinion, this not only reveals insensitivity but also breaches constitutional procedures governing such behavior.

Had the President and his team been more attuned to public sentiment and economic conditions, they would have refrained from indulging in such wasteful and unscrupulous spending patterns.

On Monday, President Tinubu and a group of his top aides flew to France aboard the new Airbus A330 business jet from Abuja.

At 4:08 pm, the aircraft departed from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Sources familiar with the President’s journey verified that the latest airplane touched down in Abuja on Sunday at 08:30 pm following a flight of approximately five hours from EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg located in France, earlier this Monday.

According to an unnamed official from the Presidency, “Yesterday’s arrival of the plane will enable the President to travel to France today.”

Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, spokesperson for Tinubu, conveyed on Sunday evening that the President would commence his fourth journey to a European country on Monday, August 19th from Abuja – Nigeria’s capital city.

While the Presidency failed to clarify the objective and timeline of Mr. Tinubu’s trip, it indicated “The President will come back home after completing his short official assignment in France.”

The French court recently awarded Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, a Chinese company, one of the three presidential planes which had been altered following an altercation with Ogun State Government.