Peter Obi has challenged the calls for the purchase of a new presidential jet for Vice President Kashim Shettima, questioning the value of such expenditures amidst Nigeria’s pressing economic challenges.
Recently, Shettima canceled his trip to the Commonwealth Summit in Samoa due to an incident at JFK Airport in New York, where a foreign object struck his plane. Following this, Borno State House Speaker Abdulkareem Lawan called for the government to consider acquiring a new aircraft for the Vice President, citing safety concerns over the current aircraft used for official duties.
In his statement, Obi expressed his concern about the insensitivity of such requests given the severe economic hardships Nigerians are facing. He stated, “It’s alarming to hear calls for a new jet for the Vice President when our nation is grappling with unprecedented challenges.”
Obi highlighted that Nigeria is currently among the eleven worst-governed countries in Africa and one of the twenty hungriest nations globally, with escalating poverty and hunger affecting the populace. He pointed out that the country’s per capita income has significantly dropped, raising questions about the priorities of those in leadership.
He emphasized that instead of seeking luxury, leaders should focus on addressing critical issues such as the repeated failures of the national electricity grid, which has collapsed multiple times this year, and the ongoing struggles of small businesses due to harsh economic conditions.
Obi referenced Indonesia, which only purchased a presidential jet after achieving sustainable economic growth and suggested that Nigeria should prioritize essential travels and focus on finding solutions to the country’s myriad challenges. He concluded with a hopeful note, asserting that a New Nigeria is possible if leaders can align their priorities with the needs of the people.
