JUST IN: Peter Obi Reveals How Tinubu Spent $100M Amid Biting Hardship

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the last election, has responded to the recent order by a French court to seize three jets from Nigeria’s Presidential fleet.

The court’s decision stems from a legal dispute involving Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, a Chinese company whose export processing zone management contract was revoked by the Ogun State government in 2016. The jets, including a Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737-7N6/BBJ, and an Airbus A330-243, were listed for seizure and are currently stationed at Paris-Le Bourget and Basel-Mulhouse airports.

Reacting to the news, Obi criticized the Federal Government for proceeding with the purchase of a new presidential jet despite widespread economic hardship. In a tweet titled “Seizure of Presidential Jets – An International Embarrassment,” he highlighted the insensitivity of the administration, stating, “The trending international news on the seizure of three Jets belonging to Nigeria’s Presidential fleet is yet another of many embarrassing things exposing our failed leadership and our attitude to the rule of law even in a democracy.”

Obi further lamented that this situation exposes the administration’s disregard for the plight of the impoverished in Nigeria. He emphasized, “The fact that the federal government went ahead with the jet deal despite the cacophonous cry against the purchase of a Presidential jet at this time when the people are going through a horrifying economic hardship shows the insensitivity of this administration.”

Obi also pointed out the lack of transparency in the government’s dealings, noting that Nigerians were unaware of the details surrounding the purchase and intended sale of these aircraft until the French court’s order. He remarked, “Federal Government property, which belongs to the people, is being managed as a personal family asset. Paying as much as $100m dollars for a Presidential jet for a country that is the poverty capital of the World and has more out-of-school children with over 40% food inflation is the height of concern for the people’s feelings.”

Additionally, Obi criticized the government’s apparent disregard for the rule of law, stating, “This incident has also opened up an aspect of indiscipline that is copiously embedded in our country which is the abuse and disrespect for the rule of law.”

The controversy has been fueled by previous reports that the government spent $100 million on the jet, with additional funds for its reconfiguration. Omoyele Sowore, a two-time presidential candidate, had claimed that the total expenditure on the jet was around $150 million. Despite the outcry, the government has not confirmed or denied these claims.