Peter Obi slams Tinubu, calling the seizure of the presidential jet an international disgrace that tarnishes Nigeria’s reputation.
Expressing his disappointment, Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party has referred to Nigeria’s Presidential Air Fleet aircraft seizure as a global source for shame.
Obi contended that within a democratic framework, this occurrence exemplifies the nation’s inept leadership and disrespect for lawfulness alongside its numerous counterparts.
According to reports, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited – a Chinese company- seized the jets because of Ogun State Government’s inability to pay an award amounting to $74.5 million.
An autonomous arbitral tribunal, led by a previous President of the UK Supreme Court, sanctioned this accolade.
It is believed that the aircraft confiscated were a component of Nigeria’s Presidential Air Fleet.
The Presidency responded to this event on Thursday and accused Zhongshan of engaging in deceitful practices with an intent to assert offshore resources belonging to the Nigerian government.
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On Thursday, Obi – the former governor of Anambra State – issued a statement voicing his criticism towards the Tinubu administration’s procurement of jets amidst economic difficulties and public opposition.
Obi stated that the global news coverage surrounding Nigeria’s Presidential fleet and its confiscation of three planes is a vivid demonstration of our leadership shortcomings, as well as our unwillingness to adhere to legal principles within a democratic system.
He added that this occurrence highlights once again the disregard exhibited by leaders towards the plight of an even more destitute populace.
Obi criticized the lack of transparency concerning the procurement and handling of these aircrafts. He highlighted that government properties, which are owned by citizens, were being treated as personal possessions.
Allocating $100 million towards a Presidential jet in a nation grappling with immense poverty, numerous children out-of-school and escalating food inflation denotes an absolute disregard for public suffering,” he stated.
He also highlighted the government’s lack of transparency and inquired if the Ogun State administration had fulfilled their contract with the Chinese company. He expressed doubts about any measures taken after a UK court banned the transfer or trade of specific Nigerian assets situated in Liverpool.
Obi’s challenge to the federal government was for them to offer a comprehensive explanation of how this situation came about and operate with full transparency towards the Nigerian populace.
