THOSE KICKING AGAINST NEW PLANE, WISH TINUBU DEAD, PRESIDENCY TELL OBI
The Presidency is currently interpreting the present outcry against the purchase of two new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President, Kashim Shettima, as akin to a death wish for the two most important people in the country, saying the intention of those kicking against it ought to be ascertained.
The House of Representatives, had last week, given the Presidency the nod to purchase the flying birds for Tinubu and Shettima, based on reports by its security committee that the current aircraft in the presidential fleet had aged considerably and no longer safe for them.
But Peter Obi, Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), who was among the earliest voices in Nigeria to rail against the idea, argued that acquiring new planes at the time Nigeria was facing such a horrendous hardship, was quite insensitive to the plight of the people.
However, the Presidency in a quick clapback, was quoted as dismissing the position of the LP as untenable, as nothing ought to be spared in keeping the President alive and out of harm’s way, adding that the current planes being used were bought during the period of President Olusegun Obasanjo, who left power in 2007.
Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesman who carpeted Obi over his complaint as saying: “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.
“The plane he used now, I learnt, was bought during (former President) Obasanjo’s era. That was over 20 years ago and I learnt it was a very small plane. The plane developed a problem the last time he travelled to Saudi Arabia. The President had to go from there 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 federal lawmakers had taken their decision sequel to a report after it investigated the status of the aircraft in the presidential air fleet, following the finding that the planes had aged and in fact three of them needed to be sold immediately.
Obi, joining other Nigerians in criticising the idea, wrote on Monday in his X handle calling the move unfortunate, especially at a time when the country was making headlines over the economic crisis, occasioned by hyperinflation, a falling currency and widespread poverty, the FG was contemplating securing new presidential jets.
Hear him: “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.
“It is on record that our presidential jets have an average age of 12 years, purchased when most Nigerians could afford necessities. Now, as our country faces significant challenges, including a high debt profile, our citizens are in even greater need. Instead of adding to our luxuries, we should be focused on alleviating their suffering and finding solutions to their problems.
“While we had earlier refurbished the old VP residence with $2m, the over 100-year-old US Vice President’s house has only undergone wide-scale renovations twice, funded by taxpayers’ money; in 1993 and 2021. Every new US VP is free to finance any minor refurbishing from his funds.
“It is, therefore, time to stop this impunity, insensitivity, and shamelessness and refocus on the needs of our people. We must prioritise 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.”
