Peter Obi Slams Seizure of Nigeria’s Presidential Jets, Demands Transparency and Accountability
In a scathing statement, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, has condemned the seizure of three Presidential Jets by authorities in France and Switzerland, describing it as an international embarrassment.
Obi’s reaction comes as Nigerians continue to grapple with the implications of the seizure, which has raised questions about the government’s transparency and accountability.
The seizures followed a ruling by a French court, which authorised the confiscation of the aircraft due to a long-standing business dispute between Ogun State and a Chinese company, Zhongshan.
The jets, which include a Dassault Falcon 7X stationed at Paris-Le Bourget airport, a Boeing 737, and an Airbus 330 located at Basel-Mulhouse airport in Switzerland, have been grounded as part of the enforcement of a $74.5 million arbitration award in favour of Zhongshan.
According to sources, the aircraft were undergoing maintenance when the order for their seizure occurred.
The Nigerian government reportedly paid over $100 million for the Airbus A330, which has not yet been delivered to the country.
Obi argued that the federal government’s decision to purchase a Presidential jet despite widespread criticism and economic hardship shows insensitivity to the plight of the poor.
He also questioned the lack of transparency in the dealings, stating that Nigerians were unaware of the purchase and sale of the jets until the French court’s ruling.
“The fact that the federal government went ahead with the purchase of a Presidential jet despite widespread criticism and economic hardship shows insensitivity to the plight of the poor,” Obi said.
“The secrecy surrounding the purchase and sale of the jets is unacceptable, and Nigerians deserve to know the truth.”
Obi’s statement has resonated with many Nigerians, who are demanding greater transparency and accountability from their government.
The seizure of the Presidential Jets has highlighted the need for responsible leadership and respect for the rule of law.
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