The Presidency has berated the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, over his criticism of the plan to purchase a new aircraft for the presidential fleet.
Obi had condemned plans by the Federal government to purchase new presidential aircraft.
The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence recently asked the Federal government to buy new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The committee’s recommendation was contained in a report released after it investigated the status of the aircraft in the presidential air fleet.
But in a statement on his X account on Monday, Obi described the government’s plan to buy new presidential jets as “insensitivity to citizens’ struggles”, stressing that the citizens’ welfare should be the priority of the government.
The former Governor of Anambra State added: “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, prioritising citizens’ welfare.
“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.”
In his reaction, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said it has become necessary to replace the presidential aircraft.
Onanuga reportedly 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.
“The plane he is using now, I learnt, was bought during former President (Olusegun) Obasanjo’s era. That is 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 needs to be replaced,” Onanuga added.
