Mr. Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has labeled the confiscation of jets from Nigeria’s Presidential Air Fleet as a significant embarrassment on the international stage.
Obi expressed that this incident is yet another glaring example of the nation’s troubled leadership and its disregard for the rule of law within a democratic framework.
Reports indicate that the seizure stemmed from the Ogun State Government’s failure to pay a $74.5 million award to Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, a Chinese firm, as determined by an independent arbitration tribunal led by a former President of the UK Supreme Court.
The aircraft in question are integral to Nigeria’s Presidential Air Fleet.
In response to the situation, the Presidency stated on Thursday that they are aware of the incident, accusing Zhongshan of attempting to seize offshore assets belonging to the Federal Government of Nigeria through underhanded means.
Obi, who previously served as governor of Anambra State, issued a statement highlighting the government’s actions as indicative of the current administration’s insensitivity, particularly under President Bola Tinubu, during a time of significant economic hardship.
He remarked, “The international news surrounding the seizure of three jets from Nigeria’s Presidential fleet serves as yet another embarrassment, shining a light on our leadership failures and our lack of respect for the rule of law in a democratic society. It underscores various aspects of our leadership deficiencies and highlights our disregard for the struggles faced by the increasing number of impoverished citizens.”
Obi continued, “The decision by the federal government to proceed with the jet acquisition amidst widespread outcry during a period of economic distress showcases this administration’s insensitivity. The added embarrassment of our Presidential jets being held due to contractual disputes reveals ongoing issues related to poor leadership practices.”
He has consistently called for greater accountability and transparency from all levels of government, stressing that the public deserves to be informed about the transactions involving these jets. “Until a court in France explicitly prohibits Nigeria from moving or selling these jets, there remains a troubling lack of transparency regarding the purchasing and management of these aircraft.”
Obi pointed out that the management of government assets should not resemble that of a personal family estate. “Spending upwards of $100 million on a Presidential jet while our country grapples with severe poverty and food inflation is a stark disregard for the public’s concerns.”
He further criticized the apparent indiscipline within the country, particularly concerning the rule of law.
Obi posed several pressing questions: “How well did the Ogun government adhere to its agreement with the Chinese firm? Following the UK court ruling that impacted certain Nigerian properties in Liverpool, what actions did both the Ogun state and Federal government take before the French court’s involvement?”
He Finally urged the federal government to adopt a more transparent approach to this situation and provide clarity to the Nigerian populace regarding how the country arrived at this troubling international predicament.
