Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, recently condemned the Federal Government’s plan to expand the Presidential fleet, calling it “unacceptable” and “insensitive” given the country’s severe economic challenges. Obi made his remarks on his verified X account on June 17, criticizing the proposal by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence to buy new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima. He argued that the focus on luxury expenditures is inappropriate when many Nigerians are struggling economically.
In his post, Obi wrote, “It is unacceptable that the government is considering purchasing new presidential jets when Nigerians are wallowing in poverty. This is a clear show of insensitivity to the suffering of the Nigerian people.”
The criticism comes amid broader economic difficulties and follows the government’s decision earlier this year to sell three aircraft from the Presidential Air Fleet in an effort to cut costs.
In response, the Presidency defended the proposed purchase of new aircraft, suggesting that it is necessary for the President’s safety. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, questioned whether Obi would prefer risking the President’s life by using potentially faulty, outdated aircraft. Onanuga pointed out that the plane currently in use was acquired during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration over 20 years ago and has developed problems, including during a recent trip to Saudi Arabia, which forced the President to travel to the UK on a commercial airline.
Onanuga said, “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.”
He further stated, “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.”
Onanuga concluded by asserting that the recommendation for new aircraft came from the National Assembly, indicating that Obi’s remarks were unnecessary and ill-informed.