Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has reacted to the federal government confirming that a Chinese firm has initiated move to seize Nigeria’s presidential jets and other offshore assets in France.
Obi described the incident as an “international embarrassment,” attributing it to what he calls “failed leadership” and a blatant disregard for the rule of law.
The seizure of the jets, which has made international headlines, has drawn criticism from Obi, who expressed concern over the federal government’s decision to proceed with the jet deal despite widespread public outcry. He highlighted the insensitivity of purchasing a presidential jet at a time when Nigerians are grappling with severe economic hardship.
Obi also criticized the “lack of transparency surrounding the deal,” noting that Nigerians were kept in the dark about both the acquisition and subsequent legal challenges involving the aircraft. “Federal Government property, which belongs to the people, is being managed as a personal family asset,” Obi remarked, emphasizing the need for accountability in government dealings.
The former governor raised critical questions about the actions of the Ogun State government and the federal government following a UK court ruling that previously prohibited the movement or sale of certain Nigerian assets. He urged the federal government to be transparent about the situation and explain how Nigeria found itself in this “latest international mess.”
He tweeted; “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. It has also exposed multiple dimensions to our leadership failure and our insensitivity to the plight of the growing poor class in our midst.
“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. Added to it is the embarrassing aspect of our country’s Presidential jets being held for contractual breaches arising from yet another dimension of inadequate leadership tidiness.
“I have been loud in my demand over time that the government at all levels should be accountable to the people, meaning that they must be very transparent in all their dealings. Until a court in France prohibits Nigeria from moving or selling these three jets, Nigerians have no iota of information about both the buying and selling of these aircraft. It has been done in secrecy. 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. 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.
“Here are questions begging for answers: To what extent did the Ogun government follow its agreement with the Chinese firm? After the UK court ruling that prohibited some Nigeria building in Liverpool, what did both Ogun state and Federal government do before the French court action ? I would like to, therefore, challenge the federal government to come clean and transparent on this matter and tell Nigerians how we got to this latest international mess. – PO”
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
