On Monday, Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate, strongly criticized the Federal Government’s plan to purchase new aircraft for the presidential fleet. He characterized the decision as “insensitive,” highlighting the severe economic difficulties many Nigerians are enduring due to the government’s policies.
In a rapid counter-response, the Presidency rebuffed Obi’s criticism, labeling his remarks as “insensitive.” The Presidency questioned whether Obi would prefer risking the President’s safety by using old and potentially unreliable aircraft. Speaking with journalists, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, asked pointedly, “Does Peter Obi want the President dead? Is that his wish? Does he want him to continue moving around in a rickety plane and die like the VP of Malawi and Iran President? Let him tell us. This is a basic thing any sane government will do. You can’t toy with your President’s welfare.”
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Onanuga elaborated that the aircraft currently used by the President was acquired during former President Obasanjo’s administration, over two decades ago. He noted that the plane is small and recently experienced mechanical issues during a trip to Saudi Arabia, necessitating the President’s return to the UK on a commercial airline. “Even those managing them said the aircraft needed to be replaced. Why will any right-thinking person still want the President to move around in it? In any way, it is the National Assembly that officially recommended that new ones should be bought. Sometimes, Peter Obi opened his mouth to make unnecessary statements.”
The call for new aircraft came from the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence, which recently urged the Federal Government to acquire new planes for President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima. This recommendation followed an investigation into the status of the existing aircraft in the presidential fleet. This suggestion arrives only a few months after the decision to sell three planes from the Presidential Air Fleet.
Despite the recommendation, Obi deemed the move “unacceptable” and indicative of a profound insensitivity to the plight of the Nigerian populace. Responding on his X handle on Monday, the former Anambra governor expressed his dismay at the timing of the proposal, especially as Nigeria grapples with economic crises marked by hyperinflation, a depreciating currency, and widespread poverty.
Obi said, “This demonstrates extreme insensitivity to citizens’ struggles. With rising insecurity, poverty, hunger, and homelessness, this decision highlights the disconnect that is apparent between the government and the people. It is unacceptable as the situation in the country today more than ever demands a more compassionate use of resources, prioritising citizens’ welfare.”
He further noted that the presidential jets currently have an average age of 12 years, purchased at a time when many Nigerians could afford basic necessities. Obi argued that given the current significant challenges, including a high debt profile, the government should focus on alleviating the suffering of its citizens rather than indulging in luxuries. “Instead of adding to our luxuries, we should be focused on alleviating their suffering and finding solutions to their problems.”
Obi also referenced the refurbishment of the old Vice President’s residence, which cost $2 million, contrasting it with the maintenance of the over 100-year-old US Vice President’s house. He noted that the US Vice President’s residence has only undergone two significant taxpayer-funded renovations, in 1993 and 2021. “Every new US VP is free to finance any minor refurbishing from his funds.”
Obi concluded by calling for an end to what he termed as “impunity, insensitivity, and shamelessness.” He urged a shift in focus towards addressing the needs of the people, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. “We must prioritize education, healthcare, and lifting our citizens out of poverty. Let us work together to build a nation that truly serves its people, not just the interests of a few.”
