Presidency Breaks Silence on Seizure of Nigerian Presidential Jets by French Court
The Presidency has finally broken its silence on the seizure of three Nigerian Presidential jets by a French Court, accusing the Chinese company involved, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, of misleading the court.
The Street Reporters Newspaper had reported that the jets, a Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737-7N6/BBJ, and an Airbus A330-243, were seized over a botched deal between the Ogun State government and Zhongshan.
But in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Federal Government of Nigeria denied any contractual obligations with Zhongshan, stating that the case is between the company and the Ogun State Government.
The Presidency also accused Zhongshan of attempting to take over offshore assets of the Federal Government through subterfuge.
According to Onanuga, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice is working with the Ogun State Government to quash the case, which the Presidency describes as “frivolous.”
The Nigerian central government also assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is working to discharge the order in Paris immediately.
The seizure of the presidential jets has sparked concerns about Nigeria’s international reputation and its ability to resolve disputes amicably. However, the Presidency’s statement suggests that the government is taking steps to address the issue and protect its assets.
Recall that the dispute between Zhongshan and the Ogun State Government dates back to 2016 when the state government revoked the company’s contract to manage an export processing zone. Zhongshan had approached the French Court, seeking restitution and attachment of Nigerian government assets.
The Presidency’s statement comes after weeks of silence on the matter, fueling speculation about the government’s response to the seizure. The statement aims to reassure Nigerians that the government is taking the necessary steps to protect its assets and interests.
The case has raised questions about the handling of international disputes and the protection of sovereign assets. The Presidency’s response is seen as a move to assert Nigeria’s sovereignty and protect its interests.
As the government works to resolve the issue, Nigerians are left wondering about the implications of the seizure and the government’s ability to protect its assets. The Presidency’s statement provides some reassurance, but the outcome of the case remains uncertain.
In related news, the Ogun State Government has also denied any wrongdoing in the contract revocation, stating that Zhongshan failed to meet its obligations. The government has promised to cooperate with the Federal Government to resolve the issue.
The seizure of the presidential jets has sparked a diplomatic row between Nigeria and France, with the Nigerian government seeking immediate action to release the jets. The French government has yet to comment on the matter.
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