Peter Obi, LP presidential candidate, opposes new presidential aircraft purchase amid economic hardships, criticizing the disconnect between government priorities and citizen needs. He denounces excessive spending on luxuries like official residences, calling for a focus on education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation to serve Nigerian interests effectively.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, criticized the proposal to acquire new presidential aircraft, rebuking the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence recommendation. The committee urged the government to purchase new aircraft for President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima, citing issues with the current fleet's airworthiness.
Obi condemned the decision, citing it as evidence of a disconnect between the government and the populace amidst rising insecurity, poverty, and other pressing issues. He emphasized the need for a more compassionate use of resources, prioritizing citizens' welfare over luxuries like new aircraft and lavish official residences. Obi further criticized the allocation of N21 billion for Shettima's official residence, contrasting Nigeria's economic challenges with spending decisions that he deemed excessive and insensitive to the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
He called for ending political recklessness and advocated redirecting national priorities towards education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and building a more equitable society.
