The Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, on Monday, berated the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government for purchasing a new presidential jet worth $100m without the approval of the National Assembly.
The PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, and Deputy Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, described the action of the government as insensitive, while Nigerians are generally facing hard times and struggling to feed.
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Similarly, the campaign spokesman for the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Yunusa Tanko, said it was worrisome that the President would prioritised his convenience over the well-being of the generality of Nigerians amid the economic hardship in the country.
On Monday, President Tinubu embarked on a working visit to France aboard a newly acquired Airbus A330 business jet.
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The aircraft is now registered to the Nigerian Air Force.
This model, typically used as a twin-aisle passenger aircraft, was purchased last month at a cost of $100m.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, shared images of the presidential jet on his verified X handle, providing the public with a glimpse of the new addition to the presidential fleet.
The images quickly gained attention, showcasing the jet’s modern features.
According to Onanuga, this new jet replaces the older Boeing B737-700(BBJ), which had been in service for 19 years since its purchase during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
The upgrade marks a significant step in modernising the presidential fleet.
The LP spokesman, in an interview with The Punch, lamented that in a country where the people were still wallowing in deep poverty, the President shouldn’t be seen purchasing a luxury jet.
Tanko said, “We thank God that the Freedom of Information Act gives the right to access some information, whether by writing or you ask directly. So every Nigerian has a right to know, apart from the constitutional right that the government must be transparent and accountable to the people.
“There are so many shady deals being done by this particular government that the people are not holding them accountable for them. The purchase of the jet is only the tip of the iceberg. In fact, we heard that the President has allegedly bought a new car for himself.
“Obviously, they are just taking care of themselves at the expense of Nigerians. In a normal setting, the National Assembly should have known about it and decided whether to approve or not. The situation we found ourselves in this country is very appalling.
“So this government has to come clean and tell Nigerians where it got the money for a $100m worth of airbus when the people are wallowing in poverty. No empathy or show of pity for the people. Can you imagine we bought fuel for use today at N970 per litre at the pump?”
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