- Peter Obi criticized the federal government for considering buying new presidential jets amid Nigeria’s worst economic crisis
- He urged prioritizing education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, emphasizing the government’s insensitivity and disconnect from citizens’ struggles
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in last year’s general elections, has criticized the federal government for considering the purchase of new aircraft for the presidential fleet.
On Monday, Obi expressed his disapproval of his X handle, calling the move unacceptable and a clear display of insensitivity to the suffering of the Nigerian people.
“At a time when our country is on the front page of global newspapers for facing its worst economic crisis, marked by high inflation, a falling currency, and widespread poverty, the government is contemplating buying new presidential jets. This demonstrates extreme insensitivity to citizens’ struggles. With rising insecurity, poverty, hunger, and homelessness, this decision highlights the disconnect that is apparent between the government and the people,” Obi wrote.
He emphasized that the current situation demands a more compassionate use of resources, prioritizing citizens’ welfare. “Our presidential jets have an average age of 12 years, purchased when most Nigerians could afford necessities. Now, as our country faces significant challenges, including a high debt profile, our citizens are in even greater need,” he added.
Obi pointed out that despite dropping to the fourth largest economy in Africa, with a GDP of $252 billion and a per capita income of $1,080, Nigeria has huge debt burdens and is borrowing to service debts. He contrasted this with the USA, the world’s largest economy, which houses its vice president in a 100-year-old residence valued at less than the $15 million Nigeria spent on its vice president’s residence.
“A reputable real estate company reports that the US vice president’s official residence is valued at about $7.5 million today. While we had earlier refurbished the old VP’s residence with $2 million. The over 100-year-old US vice president’s house has only undergone wide-scale renovations twice, funded by taxpayers’ money; in 1993 and 2021. Every new US VP is free to finance any minor refurbishing from his funds,” he noted.
Obi called for an end to what he described as impunity, insensitivity, and shamelessness, urging a refocus on the needs of the people. “We must prioritize education, healthcare, and lifting our citizens out of poverty. Let us work together to build a nation that truly serves its people, not just the interests of a few,” he concluded.