Former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has criticized the Federal Government’s plans to acquire new jets for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Obi’s objection comes amidst Nigeria’s economic struggles, marked by high inflation, a falling currency, and widespread poverty.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Obi urged the current administration to focus its resources on alleviating the suffering of the people rather than splurging on new presidential jets.
ALSO READ: Peter Obi Faults Second Niger Bridge Vandalism
Obi stated, “With rising insecurity, poverty, hunger, and homelessness, this decision highlights the disconnect between the government and the people. It is unacceptable and demands a more compassionate use of resources, prioritizing citizens’ welfare.”
The Explainer learned that the former governor’s remarks were in response to a recommendation by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence. The recommendation, which followed an investigation into the status of the presidential air fleet, called for the purchase of new aircraft for Tinubu and Shettima.
However, Obi argued that Nigeria’s current economic challenges should take precedence over acquiring new luxury items for government officials.
“It’s on record that our presidential jets have an average age of 12 years, purchased when most Nigerians could afford basic necessities. Now, as our country faces significant challenges, including a high debt profile, our citizens are in even greater need,” Obi said.
He further cited examples of the United States, where the Vice President’s Official Residence, a house built over 100 years ago and valued at approximately $7.5 million, has undergone only two major renovations funded by taxpayer money.
“While we had earlier refurbished the old VP residence with $2 million, the over 100 years old US Vice President’s house has only undergone widescale renovations twice, funded by tax payers money; in 1993 and in 2021,” Obi noted.
Obi’s criticism comes amidst growing concerns about the state of Nigeria’s economy and the perceived disconnect between the government’s priorities and the needs of its citizens. He called for a refocusing of resources towards education, healthcare, and lifting Nigerians out of poverty.
ALSO READ: Obi: Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, A Misplaced Priority
“It’s, therefore, time to stop this impunity, insensitivity, and shamelessness and refocus on the needs of our people. We must prioritize education, healthcare, and lifting our citizens out of poverty,” Obi added..
The health of the Presidential Air Fleet has been a source of concern, with a faulty presidential jet preventing Vice President Shettima from attending the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit hosted by the Corporate Council on Africa in May. Additionally, a presidential aircraft, Falcon 900B, was put up for sale by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) last December.
