‘Do you want Tinubu dead?’ — Presidency chides Peter Obi over comment on proprosed aircraft purchase

• Obi said the proposal is unacceptable, shameful and insensitive, adding that there is need for a more compassionate, prudent and judicious use of resources

The Presidency has berated the former Anambra governor, Peter Obi, over his comments on the proposed purchase of a new presidential aircraft.

Reports had emerged last week that the house of representatives committee on national security and intelligence asked the federal government to acquire new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

The committee’s recommendation was contained in a report released after an investigation into the status of the aircraft in the presidential air fleet.

On Monday, Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, said the government of a country like Nigeria that is grappling with crippling socio-economic crisis should not be spending scarce resources recklessly.

He said the proposal underscored the disconnect between the government and the people.

Obi said the proposal is unacceptable, shameful and insensitive, adding that there is need for a more compassionate, prudent and judicious use of resources and prioritising citizens’ welfare.

But in a chat with Punch, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to President Bola Tinubu, said the purchase of another aircraft is a necessity.

He added that the proposal is a “basic thing any sane government will do” because it cannot toy with the president’s welfare.

He questioned the intention of Obi to Tinubu as it concerns the president existential status, wondering if the Labour Party presidential candidate wanted Tinubu dead.

“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,” Onanuga said.

“The plane he used now, I learnt, was bought during (former President) Obasanjo’s era. That was 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 needed to be replaced.”