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Insensitive! Peter Obi Knocks Borno Lawmaker over Request of New Aircraft for VP

Published

9 months ago

October 30, 2024

Eric

The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has criticized Borno State House of Assembly Speaker Abdulkareem Lawan for requesting a new aircraft for Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Lawan had expressed concern about the Vice President’s safety due to the continued use of a “faulty” presidential aircraft for international duties, a situation highlighted by Shettima’s recent cancellation of his planned attendance at the Commonwealth Summit in Samoa.

In a statement on X, Obi labeled the demand for a new aircraft as insensitive, suggesting that the Speaker is disconnected from the serious economic challenges currently facing the nation. He emphasized that leaders should focus on issues that benefit the public instead of indulging in selfish desires for unnecessary luxuries that come at the people’s expense.

Obi remarked: “I came across a troubling statement attributed to a political leader who claims that the Vice President’s life is at risk due to issues with his official aircraft. The leader even urged the Federal Government to acquire a new plane for the Vice President. Such comments at this time reveal a lack of sensitivity and concern for the ongoing economic crisis in our country. It is widely known that Nigerians are enduring severe hardship.

“This provocative request comes from someone who seems oblivious to the fact that Nigeria is exhibiting all the signs of a failed state. Over the past decade, we rank among the eleven worst-governed countries in Africa and are among the 20 hungriest nations globally, facing escalating mass poverty, extreme hunger, and starvation.

“Nigeria remains the poverty capital of the world, with our per capita income plummeting from $1,700 in 2023 to $1,109 this year. Shouldn’t these critical issues be the priority for responsible leaders?

“Our national electricity grid has collapsed eight times this year alone and 105 times in the past decade, leading to significant losses for small businesses and leaving households in darkness. Over the last 15 months, many businesses have shut down or faced distress due to the harsh economic conditions. Shouldn’t these challenges be what we focus on as leaders instead of catering to our selfish desires for unnecessary luxury at the expense of the people we serve?

“What does the Vice President truly need a new jet for, and what real benefits are all the trips by the President and Vice President providing given our current circumstances?

“Indonesia, for example, only purchased a Presidential jet in 2014 after experiencing sustainable economic growth of over 6% annually for the past decade, which significantly boosted its GDP and GDP per capita. The Vice President primarily travels on the national airline, Garuda Indonesia. Given that we have recently acquired a new aircraft, it should be reserved for essential trips by the President and Vice President.

“I urge the President, Vice President, and all public office holders to recognize that our current precarious situation calls for minimal, yet impactful, travel. Now is the time to come together to find solutions to our myriad challenges for the welfare of our people and the development of our nation. Nigeria can rise again if our leaders commit to selfless service.”

Featured

Buhari’s Era Was Marked by Service, Discipline and Patriotism, Abike Dabiri-Erewa Mourns Passing of Ex-President

Published

14 hours ago

July 16, 2025

Eric

The Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his demise as the end of an era marked by service, discipline, and patriotic dedication to Nigeria.

Hon. Dabiri-Erewa commiserated with the Buhari family, the Government and People of Katsina State, as well as all Nigerians, on the irreparable loss of a statesman whose contributions to national development spanned decades.

In a statement issued by Mr Gabriel Odu of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, she recalled the late President’s efforts in repositioning Nigeria on the global stage, strengthening foreign relations, and promoting the active engagement of Nigerians in the Diaspora in national growth and development.

“President Buhari’s support for the establishment of NiDCOM in 2019 demonstrated his deep appreciation for the Nigerian Diaspora and his belief in their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the nation,” she said.

While praying for the repose of his soul, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians at home and abroad to uphold the values of integrity, patriotism, and selfless service that the late President exemplified.

She also prayed that the Almighty Gid comforts the family and grants them the fortitude to bear the loss.

Featured

Glo Partners Samsung to Unveil Latest Phones, Rewards Customers with Free Data

Published

1 day ago

July 16, 2025

Eric

Digital solutions company, Globacom, has partnered with Samsung, leading electronic device manufacturer, to offer an exclusive opportunity to Glo subscribers to pre-order the highly coveted Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 smartphones.

Those pre-ordering any of the sleek devices are also to get free 18GB data from Globacom as well as various gift items worth up to N1.2 million.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 series with advanced design, camera capabilities, and AI integration, were jointly unveiled by the two companies at a masterclass session held at the corporate headquarters of Globacom, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Tuesday at an event attended by high net-worth Glo customers, special guests, journalists and officials of the two companies.

The pre-ordering of Fold 7 regarded as the thinnest and lightest in the series to date, and the Flip 7 which features a larger cover screen and enhanced FlexWindow usability with Galaxy AI, commenced immediately at the venue with several Glo subscribers ordering for the latest masterpiece from Samsung.

Speaking at the event, Samsung’s Head of Product Marketing, Stephen Okwarah, spoke on how Samsung has built a strong relationship with Globacom over time as the telco has always given Samsung good numbers in terms of sales orders from subscribers. He also explained the huge benefits and amazing features of the new devices for the benefits of those who want to upgrade their current phones or who want to switch to the new devices.

Earlier, Abdulrazaq Ande, Globacom’s Head of Division (West), noted that the two devices “represent the cutting edge of mobile innovation, adding that Globacom is “proud to make them available exclusively at Glo retail outlets across Nigeria”.

He also noted that the partnership with Samsung to launch the devices “also reflects our broader commitment to innovation. With our fiber-optic expansion, and smart solutions for homes and businesses, Globacom is building the future of digital life in Nigeria — and we’re doing it with world-class partners”.

He encouraged discerning phone enthusiasts to visit any Gloworld outlet and pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 series to take advantage of the offer.

Some of the high net-worth individuals who have already pre-ordered the phones, picked up various gift items in a lucky dip at the event. The star gift of the day was a 55 inch Samsung QLED Television set, which was won by Idowu Emmanuel, a telecoms products dealer in Lagos.

Featured

A Great Royal Icon is Gone, Sir Kesington Adebutu Mourns Passing of Awujale of Ijebuland

Published

1 day ago

July 16, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The Odole-Oodua of The Source, Sir Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, on behalf of the Ogbagba Royal Family & the entire Sons and Daughters of Ijebu-Land, has mourned the passing of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at the age of 91.

In a statement the Founder/Chairman, Premier Lotto, signed himself, he expressed profound melancholy at the demise while acknowledging the Oba’s wisdom courage, and an unwavering commitment to the development and progress of Ijebu-Ode during his lifetime.

Adebutu recalled how the late Awujale “worked tirelessly to promote peace, unity, and cooperation among the various communities within his kingdom, and his efforts earned him the respect and admiration of his people.”

Below is the full details of the statement

FAREWELL TO A FOREMOST ROYAL MAJESTY- OBA DR SIKIRU KAYODE ADETONA GCON OGBAGBA11, AWUJALE AND PARAMOUNT RULER OF IJEBU-LAND.

It is with profound melancholy that I write to bid farewell to His Royal Majesty Oba Dr Kayode Sikiru Adetona GCON, a Monarch whose legacy will forever be etched in the annals of history.

The Late Awujale’s reign was marked by wisdom, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the development and progress of Ijebu-Land.

His Majesty’s leadership was characterized by a deep understanding of the complexities of modern governance and a keen sense of diplomacy. He worked tirelessly to promote peace, unity, and cooperation among the various communities within his kingdom, and his efforts earned him the respect and admiration of his people.

The Late Awujale’s impact on the cultural heritage of Ijebu-Land cannot be overstated. He was a custodian of tradition and a champion of the arts, and his court was renowned for its vibrant cultural displays. His love for his people and his land was evident in every decision he made, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

As we mourn the loss of this great Royal Icon, we take solace in the knowledge that his impact will be felt for years to come in Ijebu-Land nay- Nigeria. May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacies continue to guide and inspire us. Amen.

With Affectionate Regards

Sir Dr Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu OON CON CFR,KJW FISM FGPS,FNIJ FAmedS
The Pillar of Methodism is Nigeria and Odole-Oodua of The Source