Peter Obi has labeled the Borno Speaker’s demand for a new aircraft for Vice President Shettima as insensitive, questioning the priorities in light of Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, stated on Tuesday that it is insensitive for anyone to request a new aircraft for Vice President Kashim Shettima after the recent incident in the United States.
Abdulkareem Lawan, the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, asserted that Shettima’s life ‘is at risk because of a malfunctioning presidential aircraft he is using to represent President Bola Tinubu in official engagements around the world.’
In response, Obi stated that the Speaker showed a lack of concern for the current economic difficulties facing Nigerians.
On X, Obi expressed concern after reading a troubling comment in the media attributed to one of the so-called political leaders in the country. The allegation suggested that the Vice President’s life is at risk due to issues with his official aircraft.
The leader additionally called on the Federal Government to acquire a new aircraft for the Vice President.
By making this remark now, the speaker demonstrates insensitivity and a clear disregard for the current economic situation in the country.
It’s no secret that Nigerians are currently experiencing significant hardship.
A person likely unaware that Nigeria currently exhibits all the signs of a failed state is making such an inflammatory statement.
Today, we find ourselves ranked as one of the eleven poorest-governed African nations over the past decade. Additionally, our country is listed among the 20 hungriest in the world, with our population suffering from escalating mass poverty and severe hunger leading to starvation.
Our country continues to hold the title of the world’s poverty capital, as our per capita income has plummeted from $1700 in 2023 to $1109 this year.
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Shouldn’t these issues be prioritized by dedicated leaders?
This year alone, our national electricity grid has failed 8 times and experienced a total of 105 collapses over the past decade. These failures have led to significant financial losses for small businesses and left many households without power.
Over the past 15 months, numerous businesses have either shut down or faced distress because of the challenging economic conditions in the country.
The Vice President primarily travels using Garuda Indonesia, the country’s national airline.
Since we have recently acquired one, despite not necessarily deserving it, it should be reserved for the essential and unavoidable trips of the President and Vice President.
I urge the President, Vice President, and our public officials to ensure that their current travel is minimal and essential in light of our precarious situation.
We need to come together and address our numerous challenges for the benefit of our people and the progress of our nation.
Nigeria has the potential to thrive if its leaders dedicate themselves to selfless service. Shouldn’t we, as leaders, focus on these priorities instead of being driven by our own selfish desires for unnecessary luxury at the cost of those we’re meant to serve?
Why does Nigeria’s Vice President require a new jet, and how do all the trips made by both the President and Vice President benefit our current situation?
