Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s candidate for president in 2023, criticized President Bola Tinubu’s government for buying a new presidential jet.
On a social media platform called X, Obi asked for clear information about how much the jet cost and its details. Obi spoke out after the new presidential jet arrived amidst controversy and initial denials.
He thanked a French court for helping Nigerians learn the truth about the purchase.
“Now that the Presidential Jet has arrived, Nigerian taxpayers deserve to know how much it cost, how old the aircraft is, and how long it’s been in operation,” Obi stated.
“Additionally, Nigerians have a right to know about the old jets being disposed of, how many of them, how old they are, and why they are being sold.”
Obi emphasized the need for honesty and responsibility in government, stating that not sharing necessary details with the public would harm the government’s reputation.
He explained that the presidential jet is a symbol of national pride and government power, making its cost and upkeep an important matter for public scrutiny.
The Labour Party’s presidential candidate urged Nigerians to demand full information about the new presidential jet.
He noted, “I hope that Nigerians will not be denied the right of full disclosure on the new presidential jet.”
President Tinubu traveled to France on Monday using the new Airbus A330 business jet that the government recently acquired.
The plane, which is typically set up for two-aisle passenger use, was bought last month for around $100 million and is now registered under the Nigerian Air Force.
This special jet was among three presidential aircraft taken by a French court in support of a Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, due to a disagreement with the Ogun State Government. Zhongshan, however, released one of the seized planes on Friday, August 16, coinciding with President Tinubu’s meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, calling it a goodwill gesture.
