Presidency Bombs Obi Over Criticism Of Plans To Acquire New Presidential Jet

The Presidency has responded to the scathing criticism put out by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 General Election over plans by the Federal Government to acquire a new aircraft for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The Presidency described Obi’s criticism as “insensitive” and wondered if he would rather have the President and the Vice President’s life jeopardized by flying faulty aircraft.

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Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said: “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. This is a basic thing any sane government will do. You can’t toy with your President’s welfare.”

Onanuga added that the current plane was bought over 20 years ago and had developed problems, forcing the President to travel on a commercial airline from Saudi Arabia to the UK. He stated that the National Assembly had recommended replacing the aircraft, and it was not a luxury but a necessity.

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It will be recalled that Peter Obi had described the plan as “unacceptable” and “insensitive” to the suffering of Nigerians, citing the country’s economic crisis and poverty.

The Presidency, however, dismissed his comments as “unnecessary” and “shameless”.