Amidst the controversy surrounding the purchase of new Presidential Jets, Rising-Up for a United Nigeria (RUN), a prominent civil rights group, has labeled as misleading and frivolous the insinuations that Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, pushed for the acquisition of these new aircrafts.
The National Coordinator of RUN, Ambassador Solomon Adodo, addressed this issue during a live interview on Radio Nigeria Network news in Abuja.
According to Ambassador Solomon Adodo, “contrary to insinuations that the Senate President pushed for the planned purchase of the Presidential jets, it was actually the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence that recommended the purchase after an investigation into the status of the Presidential fleet.
“The Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence only ratified it after conducting its own investigation and agreeing to the necessity of new aircrafts to avert a national disaster with national security implications.”
Ambassador Adodo emphasized that the purchase of the aircrafts is a matter of necessity and not an idea from the Senate President as naysayers are alleging. He stated that Nigeria cannot afford to jeopardize its national security by operating old aircrafts for the Presidential fleet, especially in light of recent tragic losses of world leaders.
“The tragic loss of the President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, in a crash that was complicated by mechanical faults and bad weather, as well as the loss of the Vice President of Malawi, Saulos Chilima, should worry every well-meaning Nigerian. Instead of pointing accusing fingers, we should be united in pushing for the purchase of new aircrafts for the Presidential fleet.
“In other climes, citizens would have protested and demanded for the replacement of the Presidential fleet following the near disaster that befell Vice President Yemi Osibanjo in Kogi State a few years ago aboard one of the dilapidated aircrafts of a private company due to the unavailability of a serviceable aircraft on the President fleet. Rather than throwing jabs at individuals for what is long overdue,” he added.
He described those behind the coordinated falsehood and allegations as “enemies of Nigeria who are bent on pitching the Executive against the Legislature, considering the harmonious relationship that has existed between them in the past year.
“If there is need for new aircrafts as has been recommended, nobody can blackmail the Senate President into shirking his constitutional duties. As a progressive, the Senate President has always stood with the masses and always does things in the overall interest of the nation. He deserves a pat on the back and not unsavoury attacks.”
RUN firmly urged the Senate President not to be deterred by the opinions of a few misguided persons and to proceed with the planned purchase of the Presidential jets “in the best interest of the nation as Nigeria cannot afford to be amongst the list of nations that have lost their heads of states and governments as a result of air accidents.”
In conclusion, Ambassador Adodo highlighted the importance of prioritizing national security and the safety of the nation’s leaders. He reiterated that the Senate President has always acted in the best interest of the nation and should not be swayed by baseless accusations. The need for new Presidential jets is not a matter of luxury but a crucial step to ensure the safety and security of Nigeria’s top officials. RUN stands by the decision to support the purchase and calls on all Nigerians to understand the gravity of the situation and the necessity for modernizing the Presidential fleet.
